Be Careful Little Eyes What you See...

I have heard folks talk about making covenants about various things.  And, generally I have no issues with them.  The idea of committing to some form of behavior to better a relationship or guarantee a promise (which sounds a bit redundant) is a good thing more or less.  I guess where I have struggled with the idea is in the observation of others making and then breaking of these covenants.  It has seemed that the most have an extremely hard time remaining true to that which they promise.  That is primarily why I have shied away a bit from making such commitments myself.

However, I feel compelled to make a covenant with myself.  I am not sure why, but God continues to place this thought in my heart.  At our seminary orientation, Chaplain Bill discussed making a covenant with his eyes to avoid impurity.  I was intrigued.  My eye for beautiful things has wandered a bit and I want to contain and content myself with the beauty already in my life.  I feel bombarded from all sides by images begging for my attention, especially images designed to stimulate my mind to lust.  I want to and need to protect myself from such temptation for mental wandering. Unfortunately, I know myself too well.  Making such a rash promise with myself would be a set up for failure.  So, I have pondered how to help get things in my favor.

The Lord has been faithful to my quest and allowed me to think through the issues and recognize where I am weak.  What I discovered is that shielding my eyes is simply not enough.  My mind is quick and images are not the only thing that stimulate it.  Music does a fine job also.  This revelation has set me back because music is and has been such a large part of my life.  I enjoy many genres and types.  However, I noticed that so much of music taps into the sensual, and in pop music most is overtly sexual. The mental stimulation received through the ears starts to roll around until the eyes want to join in the fun and then the dilemma is at hand, temptation is near and the battle is on.  I am tired of fighting this war and I need some new ammo to continue.

So, the idea of a covenant with my eyes persists.  It must be joined with a covenant with my ears too.  I don't think I can succeed at the one with out the other.  Please pray for me.  I do not want to fail.  As I approach the Throne of Grace, I will be entering into a covenant relationship in which I promise to vigilantly guard my eyes and ears.  This will be difficult and I expect the attacks to be intense.  Check ups and reports to follow...

There is so much truth in this simple children's song.  I think while it is disguised as a nursery level tune, it was meant for the adult singing it as well...

O be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little eyes what you see

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little ears what you hear

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little hands what you do

O be careful little hands what you do

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little hands what you do

O be careful little feet where you go

O be careful little feet where you go

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little feet where you go

O be careful little mouth what you say

O be careful little mouth what you say

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little mouth what you say