WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2014 Blindness Do you know anyone who is blind? Ive acquired some life-changing information about spiritual blindness from people who cant see the physical things I see everyday. 1. Seeing With Two Pairs of Eyes First, Ive learned that the eyes of my heart are far more important than the eyes of my body. I could be physically blind yet have very accurate spiritual vision, and conversely, I could have 20/20 eyesight while Im blind to my own sin and the glorious things of God. In fact, Ive found that my physical eyes often deceive my spiritual eyes: For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) I would encourage you to train your eyes to look beyond the physical existence of something (or someone) and attempt to see what God sees. 2. Humbly Accepting the Condition Second, Ive learned how important it is to humbly accept the condition of blindness. I have yet to meet a physically blind person who denies their blindness; they know the full extent of their condition and they make the life adjustments necessary to function. But for spiritually blind Christians (myself included), were always denying our spiritual blindness. Even when the Bible is explicit about our debilitating condition, we try to find excuses and shift the verdict of Scripture. I would encourage you to humbly admit that you dont see yourself and your world with accuracy. 3. Receiving Assistance and Guidance Third, Ive learned that its not enough to simply accept the condition of blindness, but to reach out for help from others. A physically blind person doesnt say, I know Im blind, but Im going to go about my day alone. No, they reach out to their community for assistance and guidance. Spiritually blind Christians need to do the same. Dont just mumble the proper theology like Oh Lord, Im so spiritually blind! and do nothing about it. I would encourage you to reach out to other brothers and sisters and ask to be guided in your walk with God. 4. Longing for Perfect Vision Finally, Ive learned how important it is to long for perfect vision. A physically blind Christian knows literally what it means to say, I want to SEE Jesus face to face. When eternity comes, theyll truly see for perhaps the first time in their life. As spiritually blind Christians, the same is true for us. When Christ returns, well see everything with accuracy; the glory of God will be on full display, not clouded by our sinful and selfish hearts. I would encourage you to anticipate that day when the eyes of your heart will see with clarity. God bless Paul David Tripp REFLECTION QUESTIONS Think of several examples from your everyday life similar to 1 Samuel 16:7. What does man see that God does not see (or vice versa)? Why are we tempted to deny the condition of our spiritual blindness? Why are we tempted to not reach out for assistance and guidance? How can we reach out for assistance and guidance? Why should we anticipate the return of Christ? How can we anticipate?
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 18:01:25 +0000
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