A South American minnow-like fish is called "four eyes" because it knows how to make the best of two worlds. The Creator designed its large bulging eyes with an air lens on the upper half and a water lens on the lower half. As it cruises along the surface of the water, it is able to look at the world above and the world below.

In a sense, believers in Christ must be like this little fish. As we go through life, we need to look above to heaven and also below to the world around us. The heavenward look enables us to focus on what God says is true and right, and the "earthward" look helps us see opportunities to demonstrate Christlike compassion to people who are entangled in sin.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about seeking righteousness and showing mercy (Mt. 5:6-7). The apostle Paul reinforced these two concepts when he told the Corinthians to uphold God's standards but also show mercy to a repentant brother (1 Cor. 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 2:1-7).

No one is in a better position to see both worlds clearly than those who have Christ living within. Our eyes have been opened to God's truth, and we have the Spirit to enable us to respond in love to the needs around us. That's what "four-eyed living" is all about.  — Mart De Haan