Day 7 – What You Look at is What You Become

2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”

Whatever captures your attention shapes your soul.

Racehorses wear blinders, also called blinker, to help them stay focused during a race. Here’s why:
1. Reduces Distractions – Horses have wide peripheral vision, meaning they can see nearly all around them. Blinders limit their field of view, preventing them from getting spooked or distracted by other horses, crowds, or movement on the track.

2. Encourages Forward Focus – By blocking side vision, blinders help keep the horse looking straight ahead, which improves their performance and keeps them running in a straight line instead of veering off course.

3. Boosts Confidence – Some horses can get nervous if they see too much happening around them. Blinders create a more controlled visual environment, reducing anxiety and making them more confident.

4. Prevents Collisions – In tight races, horses may react to the movement of other horses nearby. Blinders help prevent sudden lateral movements that cause accidents.

5. Improves Speed and Performance – By eliminating unnecessary distractions, horses can channel all their energy into running, maximizing their speed and efficiency.

Are you catching on?

We like to think we can look at anything— entertainment, social media, news, opinions— without it affecting us. But Scripture tells a different story: we are formed by what we focus on. If we fix our eyes on Jesus, we become like Him. If we fix our eyes on lesser things, we become like them. Newsflash, your eyes, like mine, will often wander to focus on lesser things, this does not diminish God’s love for us. This is post is a call to finding a wise and spiritually healthy way to live.

Look at what happens in Exodus 32. Moses had been meeting with God on the mountain, gazing at His glory. But down in the valley, the Israelites grew impatient. They wanted something they could see, something tangible, something immediate. So they made a golden calf—a god of their own making. And what happened? They started acting like the god they worshiped.
• They bowed to something lifeless and became spiritually dull.
• They sought pleasure over purpose and descended into chaos.
• They traded God’s presence for something easier, something man-made.

This isn’t just an ancient mistake. It’s what we do every day.

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

The Bible is full of stories with people just like us: where we set our gaze determines the direction of our lives.
• David gazed at Bathsheba, and it led to destruction. (2 Samuel 11:2-4)
• Peter gazed at the wind and waves, and he began to sink. (Matthew 14:30)
• Eve gazed at the forbidden fruit, and her desire led her away from God. (Genesis 3:6)

But then there’s Jesus:
• Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We don’t just glance at Him. We fix our eyes on Him—because what we behold, we become.

What This Means for Us
• Distraction is discipleship. Whatever holds our gaze is discipling (teaching) us—whether we realize it or not.
• Entertainment isn’t neutral. Every show, movie, song, reel, and tiktok are a sermon preaching something to our soul. The world tells us we can watch, scroll, and engage without consequence. But our souls absorb what we consume.
• What we behold, we become. If we want to be more like Jesus, we have to intentionally fix our gaze on Him.

Reflection:
1. What dominates your attention throughout the day?
2. Are the things you focus on shaping you into someone more like Christ?
3. What would change if you intentionally set your gaze on Jesus daily?

Do Something:
Take inventory. What’s the first thing you look at when you wake up? What’s the last thing you focus on before bed? Choose one practical way to shift your gaze this week—maybe replacing mindless scrolling with Scripture, or music that distracts with worship that stirs your heart.

Fix your eyes on Him. He is what you’re looking for.