A Clearer Vision
Compassion in Action
When Jesus saw the crowds, He was overwhelmed with compassion and sympathy for them, because they were lost and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This powerful image from Matthew 9:36 reminds us of the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.
A Personal Experience
Recently, my husband’s complaints about his vision sparked a journey of discovery. Simple tasks, like reading road signs or book print, had become a struggle. After consulting with a doctor, he was diagnosed with cataracts that needed to be removed. The lens of the eye, much like a camera lens, adjusts to changing light conditions and focus, enabling us to see clearly. A cataract, however, is a clouding of this natural lens, which can grow larger over time, impairing vision.
The Surgery
After further examination, a date was set for the first cataract removal surgery. Although the technique is intricate, it’s a common procedure with minimal negative effects. Just two hours later, we were heading home, with me behind the wheel! As we drove away, my husband exclaimed, “I can read that sign!” One week later, the second eye was operated on, and his vision was nearly perfect.
Spiritual Vision
Our spiritual outlook on life and view of others can also become clouded by negative attitudes, critical thinking, and unchecked prejudices. We often allow uninformed opinions, especially about ethnicities or lifestyles, to obscure our vision, cutting ourselves off from people unlike ourselves. If we fail to allow the Holy Spirit to perform “cataract removal surgery” on our hearts, we build barriers that make it impossible for others to see Jesus clearly.
A Radical Transformation
The first step towards clear spiritual vision is to open our hearts to God’s perspective. As the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Paul Baloche so beautifully expresses: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord… I want to see You.” When we clearly see Jesus, He performs the radical surgery necessary for us to see the world through His eyes.
Leave a Reply