Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #7 — Looking To Jesus

Picture: Counsel #7 — Looking To Jesus CCW 25.1

Imagine someone telling you, “Stop thinking about the purple monkey!” You might not have thought about a purple monkey before, but once you try not to think about it, you can’t. This is because to “not” think about something, your brain has to think about it actively. That’s why we can’t overcome sin by simply trying. If we focus on trying to stop, all we will think about will be our sins and the things we “can’t” do anymore. However, if we focus our thoughts on Christ, we will discover true joy and freedom and become more and more like Him without even noticing.^[40] CCW 25.2

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2, 3 NKJV CCW 25.3

“Be determined that you will be an overcomer. Constantly behold Jesus. Meditate on His character that, by beholding you may become changed into His image.” Ellen White in Pacific Union Recorder, January 19, 1905, par. 4 CCW 25.4

Reflect: How does focusing on Christ rather than your sins change your approach to overcoming them? What steps can you take to keep your focus on Jesus? CCW 25.5