Focal Point

"The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." - 3 Nephi 13:22

What does it mean for our eye to be single?
 I believe the answer is illustrated in various settings of our lives.

On the stage of our social arenas, it can be tempting to pander to the people or hide behind the curtains in fear of them.  But if our "eye is single" to the glory of God,  we won't be concerned with audiences but rather with alleluias.  We will remember always that "whatsoever [we] do, [to] do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men"- Colossians 3:23.  

We see this same doctrine echoed in 3 Nephi 13:1-2 and Matthew 6:1-2  We are warned to "take heed that [we] do not [our] alms before men to be seen of them" to "not sound a trumpet" or announce our good works for everyone to hear.

"Latter-day Saints whose eyes are single to God’s glory see life from a vastly different perspective than those whose attention is directed elsewhere. Such members, for instance, care little about receiving credit or recognition for their good deeds. They are more interested in feeding the Lord’s sheep than in counting them. In fact, they frequently find their greatest happiness in serving anonymously, thereby leaving the beneficiaries of their kindness with no one to thank or praise except the Lord." - Marlin K. Jensen

Henry Drummond taught, "Love more persons more -- love them more impersonally, more unselfishly, without thought of return. The return, never fear, will take care of itself." - Henry Drummond

I love that, "without thought of return."  Again I say, this all stems from the fact that we are not concerned with audiences but rather with alleluias. Think of how freeing it is to never have it cross our mind whether people notice us, to never "worry" about being loved, admired, or adored.  The Creator of the Universe already loves, admires, and adores us!!  Shouldn't that be sufficient?!! It should be and it should also be very sobering... because we are "less than the dust of the earth."

Another setting for our "eye to be single" could be in times of trouble, sorrow, difficulty, or struggle.  I imagine Peter attempting to walk on the water, stepping out in faith and miraculously making his way to the Savior.  As long as he had his eyes fixed on the Lord, wholly, completely, and decidedly, Peter's steps were stable and secure ... But when he took his focus off Christ, "he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." - Matthew 14:30

We must not fear but rather persevere through the storms, no matter how threatening the winds and the waves may become. We must keep our eyes fixed on Him trusting completely with our mind, heart, and actions that He is mighty to save.

Christ has taught that in Him we shall "find rest to [our] souls." He said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin." - 3 Nephi 13:28

When our lives are centered on the Savior, "the light of the world," when He is the focal point in all we say and do, our "whole body shall be full of  light" and we will have peace!  It will be as shining rays of hope in the darkest of nights, filling and illuminating our souls and the souls of all who partake of it.  No man can rob it from us, elements of sea or earth cannot destroy it, and prison cells cannot bar it's presence, for it is not of this world.  This peace "is a treasure in heaven,[brighter than the sun] where moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." - 3 Nephi 13:19-20  

-Alicia