If you live long enough, chances are that you’ll have cataract surgery – a removal of the increasingly cloudy lens of the eye which is replaced with a clear lens. I found it to be life changing. Colors were much more vivid, clearer. Objects which I thought were tan or beige I discovered to actually be white. My hair was much grayer than I’d thought. (Reality check!) The increasing cloudiness of my vision had occurred so slowly over a couple of decades that it had gone unnoticed. Like water which is slowly brought to a boil, it was so slow as to be imperceptible. But it was increasingly detrimental to my quality of life, even my safety, such as when driving at night.
I could sense some real theological parallels in my life. Some bad habits had built up so slowly in my life’s routines or thoughts that I’d become unaware of them. Certain routines or mannerisms which were either not healthy, or not edifying to myself or others. When Christ healed the blind it was said that the scales were removed from their eyes and they could see, often comprehending new spiritual truths as well.
What negative habits have you become too accustomed to? Has your spiritual vision grown increasingly cloudy due to unfruitful routines or customary habits which you have made part of your life for far too long? It has been said that “an unexamined life is not worth living.” Constructive self examination and self discipline is a worthy undertaking. If that seems too difficult, ask a trusted friend, mentor or spiritual leader to gently but firmly speak the truth in love to you about the destructive habits you may have formed, often unknowingly, over time. My prayer is that you, newly freed up from negative habits and routines, will see more clearly God’s love and purpose for your life… and how you might best use your gifts and talents to glorify Him. And have a more fruitful and fulfilling life!
(Acts 9:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
manwomanGod.com 