Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:22-23 (HCSB)
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness—how deep is that darkness!
Today’s Question: Is your spiritual vision 20/20?
Today’s Commentary:
The human eye is an interesting and tremendously complex organ. While I lack the full knowledge of how this unique body part works, I know one thing to be true: When my eye hurts, my whole body seems to be affected.
For example, about ten years ago, I had a really bad case of conjunctivitis, a.k.a “pink eye.” But my eyes were not pink, they were tomato red. Both eyes were affected and I wanted nothing more than to lay in the bed and keep my eyes closed. For those who know me, this would be a very uncommon practice. Without the use of my eyes, my normal routine was impossible.
Warren Wiersbe states, “God’s Word often uses the eye to represent the attitudes of the mind. Wealth not only enslaves the heart, but it also enslaves the mind.” Jesus is teaching His disciples that our spiritual “vision” must not become clouded. When I had that extreme case of “pink eye,” I was in ignorance of the early warning signs. Had I taken quick measures to address the problem, my symptoms would have been minimal and recovery would have been quick.
Disciples of Jesus must take an “eye exam” on a regular basis. Just as my physical vision is checked every two years for changes in my sight, Christians must continually refocus on Jesus.
This also brings me to a point of discernment. We must examine those we choose to follow. Are we entrusting our personal development to those whose eyes are singularly focused on Jesus? Do the people who influence our thoughts and habits possess a crystal clear spiritual vision? If not, these mentors are creating “cataracts”; and the cloudiness must be removed before all sight is lost.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #39: Christians must evaluate their spiritual vision and remove all hindrances that cloud a crystal-clear focus on Jesus.
Today’s Prayer Point: What is the focus of your life? Ask the Lord to help you maintain “eye contact” with Him at all times.
Shepherding Well 