Clear Vision, Clear Purpose
As we gaze out at the world around us, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of people struggling to see. Not just physically, but spiritually as well. The Bible reminds us that Jesus was deeply moved by the crowds he saw, and his compassion drove him to action (Matthew 9:36).
The Gift of Sight
Churches and civic groups around the world are working to bring clear vision to those who need it most. They collect and refurbish eyeglasses, painstakingly re-grinding lenses and reshaping frames to fit each new wearer’s face. It’s a remarkable process, one that requires skill and dedication. And the results are nothing short of miraculous – the beaming smiles of children and adults as they catch their first glimpse of a sunset or a loved one’s face are a testament to the power of clear sight.
The Distortion of Self
But there’s another kind of vision problem, one that affects Christians just as much as anyone else. It’s the distortion of self, a faulty lens that warps our view of ourselves, the world, and even God. This “I” problem is a disease of self-orientation, causing foggy lenses and blurred vision. In extreme cases, it can lead to spiritual blindness.
A Prayer for Clarity
One hymn writer penned a powerful prayer, asking God to “open my eyes that I might see glimpses of truth thou hast for me.” We might add to this prayer, asking God to fit us with the lens of his Word, so that our vision is like unto his. So that when we look at people, events, circumstances, ourselves, and even God, we see clearly. We see as Jesus saw.
A Call to Action
Father God, too often we allow the contaminants of the world and our own nature to blur our vision. Help us be willing to see as You see, and then to act on what You reveal. May we have the courage to correct our vision, to see the world and ourselves through the lens of Your Word. Only then can we truly live out our purpose, with clear vision and a clear heart.
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