Eyes Fixed on Christ

Acts 7:54-60
Stephen's words obviously troubled the people listening to him, but it wasn't until he gazed at heaven and saw Christ at God's right hand that they went into a rage and took action.
If we are to affect those around us who do not yet follow Christ, our eyes must remain fixed on Him! We can do nothing in our own flesh, despite the best of intentions, the greatest preparation or the most impressive display. Even my best efforts to share Christ will fail if I am not focused on Him, because it is that focus itself that will in turn spill into every aspect of my life.
We must also realize that though we may reveal Christ to others through our lives, there will always be some who do not respond. As Stephen saw Christ glorified, the crowd covered their ears and rushed him; they were wholly intent on drowning out the truth with their anger, their voices and their actions. We face this kind of opposition, especially if we live with our eyes fixed on Him, but again it is that very focus that enables us to do His will, despite slings, stones and arrows.