Vanity
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People fix their eyes on that from which they hope to draw life. The direction of one's gaze is therefore crucial to the vitality of one's walk.

Too often, we fix our eyes on things which are vain. Psalm 119:37 (NASV) says:  "Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Thy ways."

The Hebrew word for "vanity" is "shav." It means "emptiness or nothingness," and is used in Scripture of anything and everything one relies on or hopes in that disappoints his trust and expectation.

In counseling, we see many people with their eyes fixed on vain things. For some, it's the world with its wisdom, things, and pleasures. For some, it's themselves, with self-love, pride, and arrogance, or with guilt, condemnation and confusion. Clearly, there is no salvation in any of these things.

Our job as counselors is to help them turn away from looking at vanity and to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2). For when they cease looking elsewhere, and steadfastly consider Jesus, the power of His love and grace transforms them into the same image (II Corinthians 3:18) and conforms them to Christ (Romans 8:29).

"If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4 NASV).

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