Gazing at Jesus, Glancing at Others

A soul fixed on Christ—gazing upward, growing deeper.

Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash

E. Stanley Jones warns us of a common pitfall in the Christian journey—making heroes of men instead of abiding in the person of Christ. When we anchor our faith in a teacher or system, no matter how biblical or compelling, we end up limiting our growth. We start to imitate styles, echo catchphrases, and ultimately graze on doctrinal husks instead of partaking of the Bread of Life Himself.

Paul corrected this error in Corinth, reminding believers that all things—including great teachers—are theirs in Christ, but they themselves belong only to Him. The moment we flip that order—belonging to a man or movement—we become spiritually stunted.

True Christian maturity comes from gazing long at Jesus and only glancing at others. When our focus remains fixed on the indwelling Christ, there is no end to our expansion and growth. But when we hitch our faith to a leader or denomination, we inevitably flatten our walk into a one-note tune.

Jones is not dismissing the value of godly teachers; rather, he is urging us to see them as gifts in Christ, not as replacements for Him. The mark of maturity is a soul feasting on Christ Himself—no longer content with secondhand nourishment, but drawing moment by moment from the fullness of God.

✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

Look to Me. Not just when you feel lost or overwhelmed, but always. I am the One who began the good work in you, and I am the One who will bring it to completion. No man, no system, no stream of theology can do that. What others share is only useful when it points your gaze back to Me.

I have given you shepherds and teachers for your benefit, not as substitutes. The moment your loyalty shifts from Me to them—even subtly—you will sense your soul tightening, your joy thinning, your freedom shrinking. But when your eyes return to Me, even your least moment becomes weighty with eternity.

You are seated with Me in the heavenlies. Not with Paul. Not with Apollos. Not with your favorite modern voice. You belong to Me. I speak through many, but I live in you directly. Let every message you receive be sifted through the filter of My Spirit within you.

I expand your soul when your eyes are on Me. I mature your faith as you abide in Me. I unite My Body when each member yields to Me as Head. This is how you grow—gazing at Me, and only ever glancing at those who serve as signposts. Their purpose is not to impress you but to direct you.

Fix your eyes on Me. I am the fullness. I am the Truth. I am your Life.

Scriptures referenced: John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 3:21–23; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:9–10; Hebrews 12:2

🧃 Real-Life Analogy

It’s like drinking juice through a straw and mistaking the straw for the source. At first, the straw seems to deliver what you need—but if it’s cracked or clogged, you’re left parched. The juice was always in the glass. The straw only serves if it stays clear and connected. So it is with teachers. They are the delivery channel—but Christ is the source.

🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence

Jesus, I thank You that I belong fully to You. I rejoice that my life is hidden in You, not in a denomination, not in a movement, not in a man. You are the Truth—not a system of truths, but the Living Word within me. Thank You for the voices You’ve used to lead me closer to You—but thank You even more that I now draw directly from You, my Source, my Life, my Lord. I rest in You today, confident that maturity comes not from mimicking men, but from abiding in You.