Our Eyes Are Fixed on Christ

In our journey of faith, God uses many people to help us: pastors, teachers, family members, and mature believers. Some teach us, others correct us, and others support us in difficult moments. We should thank God for their lives, respect them, and learn from their example.

However, we must never forget a fundamental truth: our faith is not placed in people, but in Jesus Christ.

When People Take the Place of Christ

In the church at Corinth, some believers began to identify too closely with certain leaders. Some said, “I follow Paul,” while others said, “I follow Apollos.” Paul had to remind them:

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:6

Paul and Apollos had worked faithfully, but the work belonged to God. People could plant and water, but only God could produce the growth.

We, too, can admire a pastor, preacher, or leader so much that we end up depending on that person spiritually. Then, when that person makes a mistake, changes, leaves, or disappoints us, our faith begins to waver.

But if our faith depends on a person never failing, we have placed on that person a burden that only Christ can bear.

People May Fail; Christ Remains

Every human being has limitations. Even the most mature believers can make mistakes. Peter denied the Lord, Thomas doubted, and Paul acknowledged his own weaknesses.

Jesus, on the other hand, never changes:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
— Hebrews 13:8

People may disappoint us, but Christ remains faithful. Leaders may change, but Christ continues to be the head of the Church. Our security is not found in everyone acting correctly, but in the fact that Jesus will never cease to be who He is.

“You Follow Me”

When Peter asked Jesus what would happen to another disciple, the Lord replied, “What is that to you? You follow me.”

Sometimes we pay too much attention to what others are doing. If others are faithful, we move forward; if others grow cold, we also become discouraged. If someone acknowledges us, we serve enthusiastically; if they do not, we think about giving up.

But Jesus continues to tell us:

Even if others turn back, you follow me.
Even if someone disappoints you, you follow me.
Even if no one acknowledges you, you follow me.
Even if you do not understand what is happening, you follow me.

Our faithfulness to Christ cannot depend on the faithfulness of other people.

Learning from Others Without Turning Away from Jesus

Paul said:

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:1

The key is found in the words “as I am of Christ”. We can learn from a person to the extent that his or her life reflects Jesus. We do not follow anyone blindly; rather, we examine that person’s teaching and conduct in the light of God’s Word.

A good Christian leader does not seek to make people dependent on him or her. The leader’s mission is to help them know, love, and obey Christ more deeply.

The Church does not belong to a pastor, a family, or a denomination. The Church belongs to Jesus Christ. He purchased it with His blood, He sustains it, and He will lead it to the end.

Servants change, but the Lord of the Church remains.

For Reflection

• Does my faith depend too much on any one person?
• Do I become discouraged when a leader or fellow believer disappoints me?
• Am I truly following Christ?
• Am I helping others depend on Jesus, or depend on me?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the people You use to teach me, help me, and walk alongside me. Help me to respect and love them, but do not allow them to take the place that belongs to You alone.

When someone disappoints me, remind me that You remain faithful. When I focus too much on what others are doing, help me hear Your words again: “You follow me.”

I want to keep my eyes fixed on You, obey You, and live for Your glory. Amen.

Truth to Remember: We can thank God for the people who help us in our faith, but our trust, obedience, and focus must always remain fixed on Jesus Christ.