I have always had trouble keeping my glasses
on. I can see fairly well if I am
reading or looking across the distance of a room that I am in. Consequently, I do not always put my glasses
on. My husband and son constantly hear, “Where
are my glasses?” as we prepare to leave the house.
I would never dream of driving without wearing
my glasses. Nor would I attempt going to
work, the grocery store, church or anywhere else that I may be reading signs without
them. I would not pay to see a movie and
only get the blurry version because I did not have my glasses on. Yet I frequently fail to put them on in day
to day life.
I
also find myself fighting to keep from taking my spiritual glasses off. I have learned a lot of the Word in my 36
year walk with the Lord. I find many
principles are rooted deep in my heart and soul. I can make it through many of the ordinary
challenges of life by remembering verses learned in the past. While knowing the Word is a good thing, it
can be very dangerous as well. Relying
on memorized verses and past revelation from God will never adequately meet the
challenges of today. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are
new every
morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations
3:22-23 ESV) Without the daily
freshness,
I am suddenly lamenting, “Where are my spiritual glasses?”
For years I avoided this problem with my natural
sight by wearing contacts. They were the
type that you could sleep in and clean weekly. This way I never took them off. This is a great place to be with the Word of
God. The Word can truly be ever before
you. This can be accomplished by reading
and studying at a designated time each day, then keeping scriptures in mind all
day. I prefer to do this ‘all day
awareness’ musically, with songs as well as verses that I have put to a tune. Then the spirit man can pray and converse with
God during the night as I sleep. All
three steps are intentional.
As time has gone on, I can no longer wear
contacts. When my vision is corrected
for distance, I can no longer see to
read. I’ve tried several options and
have settled on progressive lenses. I
look through the top for distance, the middle for computer work and the lower
portion for reading. This takes some
thought, and practice at first, but it gives the most accurate results. It’s fairly natural to me now.
Approaching the Word is much the same. Life brings many different circumstances
every day. There is no one verse fits
all. I must daily seek the leading of God
for the moment of time I am in. Verses
on love and mercy will help while encountering a situation where others are
gossiping and I feel pulled to join in. Wisdom
in finances and giving principles are needed when I encounter a financial need. The list of needs and the answers in the
Bible are numerous. Each moment is
unique.
The following principles can act as a guide. The upper or distance vision is similar to
the big picture. This is the total
approach to life. My guiding verse for
this is comes from the directive of Jesus.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with
all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your
strength.” (Mark 12:30 ESV) The middle or the computer monitor vision is similar to
how I see relationships with other people.
My guide for this is the continuation of the first passage. “The second is this: ‘You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater
than these.”
(Mark
12:30 ESV)
The final level of vision is the lower, reading
vision. This is the close up, everyday
details of life. This is where constant attention is needed. My encouragement here is from Psalms. “Through your precepts I
get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path.” (Psalm 119:104-105 ESV) I need to follow God’s directions, hate false
ways and shine that lamp on each and every step. I can only do this by searching the Word
continually. As I do, my path will
become clear.
So find your glasses. Put them on.
Use them wisely. Love God! Love
people! Seek His direction, and your
path will become clear.
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