Living by faith in Jesus involves looking beyond ourselves. First and foremost, it means “looking up” (Psalm 123:1), gazing upon the beauty of the Lord (Psalm 27:4) and fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). We’re not walking by faith if we’re always “looking down” at the obstacles ahead, or if our outlook is controlled by how everything affects us—affects ME.
In the May 26 sermon about King Hezekiah, we saw how this aging believer, later in life, turned his focus inward. When God warned him that his countrymen and even his own sons would one day be taken captive in Babylon, Hezekiah responded with a self-serving remark: at least there will be peace and security “in my days” (Isaiah 39:8). “Thank goodness I’ll be comfortable!”
This story of faltering faith has been lingering in my mind. After all, Hezekiah was a good King; he had ruled over the people of Judah in a way that honored God (look at his humble, worshipful prayer in Isaiah 37:16-20; see also 2 Kings 18:5). But his past piety did not guarantee he’d remain faithful to the Lord.
I’ve been connecting the “Hezekiah Syndrome” to other situations lately: I see in the news that “hundreds” of Muslim pilgrims have died from the heat in Mecca? How do I react to this tragedy? Do I fall back into a self-centered mindset, “At least we’ve got decent air conditioning for the hot summer days”? I read of warfare in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, and I’m tempted to say, “At least we enjoy a basic level of safety and stability.”
But God wants us to share his heart for the world; he calls us to love our neighbors, even enemies. But we can’t love people if we let their pain deflect our attention to the mirror and focus on our own reflection. Has God provided you with strength and health for today? If so, it’s not just for you to enjoy: all his blessings are ours to steward. We are blessed to be a blessing. God calls us to look and love beyond ourselves—for our good, and for his glory!
