Fix your thoughts on Jesus
by Margaret Silvester
It has been said, ‘We are what we think’ and in today’s uncertain world many people have troubled thoughts about the present and the future. But our world today is not much different to the world in which the New Testament was written.
The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish converts who were being tempted to revert to their old way of life and to change the truth of the Gospel. The writer clearly tells them to fix their thoughts on Jesus. There’s no substitute for the message of Jesus. If the truth is compromised there are serious consequences.
Firstly, there’s the danger of drifting away (Hebrews 2:1). People don’t suddenly turn or fall away from Jesus. They make small compromises, which cause them to drift away from a living relationship with Him. Like a boat, eased from its moorings by the pull of the tide, they find they’re no longer secure in the harbour. They’re no longer secure in trusting Jesus alone. Drifting happens and yet they’re unaware that they’re drifting. It’s as if a precious ring accidentally slips from their finger and gets lost, but they’re unaware of it happening.
Secondly, there’s the danger of turning away. See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12). Turning away from God begins in the heart with unbelief in the true character of God. The Hebrew believers were being asked to turn back to God and to respond to His Word, with obedience and joy.
Thirdly, there’s the danger of falling away(Hebrews 6:6). The warning was given to those who had once turned to the cross, and delighted in the wonder of what Jesus had done to forgive them and bring them to God. They had even shared in the work of the Holy Spirit but had now come to a point where they were far away from Jesus.
I recently had the privilege of seeing the passion of Christ as an open air drama. It was extremely moving to be reminded so vividly of the sufferings of Jesus, and the reality of the cross. My heart was filled with renewed love and thanksgiving at the wonder of all that Jesus has done for me.
Do you have a sense of drifting away, turning away or falling away? If so, fix your thoughts on Jesus and come to the cross for forgiveness and restoration. His arms are always open wide.
Prayer: Thank You Lord Jesus for all You have done for me. Today I turn away from any compromises I have made which have taken me from the close relationship I once shared with You. I now fix my thoughts on You. Amen.
Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God. Margaret`s book "Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God" has recently been published.
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