So, I came to the conclusion early on that it is just easier to always tell the truth and not lie to save myself the psychological discomfort of having to keep stories straight. I think my wife secretly appreciates it, because she knows I can never get away with anything. It's hard to look someone in the eye when you're lying or hiding something, unless you are some kind of sociopath.
Of all the parts of the human body, I find the eyes the most intriguing. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov 18:21); the springs of life flow from the heart (Prov 4:23); but the eye is the lamp of the body (Mt 6:22)--the very temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). A window to the soul.
As in literature, music, or interior design, the space between (ie, 'white space') plays as much a role as the words or notes themselves. Without it, meaningful composition would be impossible, as one could not differentiate between objects. I have heard humans are only creatures with the whites of their eyes visible. This allows for an incredible amount of creative nuance of expression.
Have you ever spoken with somone who stared a little too long? Very uncomfortable, like they are encroaching on private property. It makes you think maybe they are not cued in to social conventions or awareness.
Have you ever locked eyes with someone of the opposite sex across the room? If you are a single man or woman and looking to meet, this is your ticket. If you are married, you had better be careful to ensure that such a gaze is truncated in a timely manner lest it lead to something inapprorpriate.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who couldn't look you in the eye (shifty eyes)? You can't help but wonder to yourself, 'what are they hiding? What did they do?'
Have you ever met a confident person who looks you right in the eye when they speak? Intimidating, yes?
When one 'holds their head up high,' gaze forward, it conveys a sense of integrity. When one (rightfully) 'lowers their head in shame' at the recongition of a failure of integrity, one's gaze is averted. Adam and Eve sought to cover their nakedness after the Fall and the Lord saw right through their feeble attempts to hide themselves from His presence (Gen 3:8). His gaze cut right through them, because they themselves had something to hide.
We sometimes think doing the Lord's will is hard. In some ways this is true, given our propensity towards sin due to the Fall and our wounded nature, and our desire to thwart God's benevolent governance by eating the fruit which we desire, even though it may lead to death. It can also be hard in some sense when we face persecution from the world, those who are against God's designs and would seek to snuff out or silence those who follow Him.
But sin in its own way leads to more disorder, more disruption, and more difficulty, as Scripture attests: "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." (Ps 19:7).
When we lose sight of this perfect law in Christ, we are like ships in a storm with no navigation and no rudder. The precepts of the Lord are like a lighthouse on a rocky shore which cuts through the fog and alerts us of what would capsize us. In fair weather one thinks they can do without it and navigate on their own. But it is in storms where faith is tested. Jesus rested in the comfort of God's perfect designs...how else could he fall asleep on a pillow in the middle of a squall? (Mk 4:38)
God always wants what is best for us. The Law is written in our hearts (Rom 2:15) so that it might be known to all, for "there will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil...but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good." (2:9-10). So guard your eyes, the lamp of the body, in order to hold your head with a gaze focused foward. For if the light in you is darkness how great is the darkness!" (Mt 6:23)
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