Nothing will cause me as much trouble in my Christian life as the sin of a wandering eye. If my eye wanders it will not be long before my heart follows it. Paul said to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it” (Colossians 4:17). Archippus had become afflicted with a wandering eye, and that led to a cold heart and a slack hand.
One of the old Puritans used to write on the flyleaf of his books: “Mind Thine Own Business!” God has given me a work to do, and I am to focus on it until it is done or He will remove me from it. If I glance with the eye of ambition on other things I might do, which seem more interesting and profitable, I am preparing myself for a stern admonition from God. Above all, I must avoid the wandering eye of jealousy: “See how much he’s reaping, and look at how little I’ve got!” To be jealous means “God is not treating me fairly,” and nothing displeases the Lord more than an accusation like that!
Jesus said of the Pharisees, “They have their reward” (Matthew 6:2, italics added). Yes, they do. I may pick the standards of my own success if I choose, and the rewards will be immediate and instant. But they will not be God’s rewards. How much better to hear Him say, “Faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, KJV, italics added). Faithfulness rules out wealth, fame, achievement, and notoriety. But it does not rule out the highest compliment of all: “You paid attention to the job I gave you, and you did it!” Faithfulness is a characteristic of Christ (Isaiah 11:5), and it will characterize those of us in whom His Spirit rests.
“I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1).
Daily with the King 