Chapter nine of the Gospel of John contains a great story of a blind man to whom Christ restored sight. The religious formalists of the time (Pharisees) would not accept that Jesus was the one who did the miracle and kept hounding the man to acknowledge that. The man said all he knew was that he was blind and now he could see. The implication was that only God could do such a miracle so Jesus must be who He said He was: that is, the Son of God.
Jesus pointed out to those religious formalists that since they claimed to know everything (could see and know clearly) that they were indeed the blind ones who refused to acknowledge and accept(see) Christ as being sent from God. They refused to see their own blindness (faults, sins) but claimed to be able to see others faults. Their refusal to "see" the truth about themselves kept them in their lost (blind) condition.
The question we must ask ourselves is "are we blind to our own faults, our true condition?" Are we those who can see the specks in others eyes and not see the beams in our own eyes? What has Christ been trying to point out to you in your life that needs to change? What are you refusing to admit about your life and attitudes that are resulting in spiritual blindness?
Psalm 139 ends with this truth: "Lord, look deep into my heart and life and bring out everything that is displeasing (sinful) and counter-productive to your will. Point out to me what I do that offends You. Forgive me (open my eyes) and then lead me into the bright and clear future that you have planned for me." TPJV (The Pastor Jerry Version) Believe me, friend, that is a prayer that God will always answer. Don't continue to be blind to your faults. (sins) Look into God's spiritual mirror and change what God tells you to change.
Up North Wisdom says that Religious formalists ( the ones that say "I'm alright, I don't need to change. I'm better than most and not as bad as some. I'm a church goer and that is enough.") are really the ones who are blind. Don't be blind. Let Christ open your eyes to see the truth. The Word says that understanding and applying the truth of God's Word to your life will truly set you free. (John 8:32) As the beautiful old chorus says: "Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus." Amen. The best is yet to come!
buried
2 months ago
Wow! Very convicting! But really, isn't it just so much easier and so much more freeing to be honest about who we are and what we struggle with. I am a wretched human being, but thank God I have Christ who has saved me and whose grace is sufficient. I tell myself that I look inward, but it is always a struggle to not focus on other's weaknesses to make myself feel better. Again, the truth ain't pretty, but it sure is better than trying to be who I am not! Great post Dad, thanks! I love you!
ReplyDeleteThe truth is much better than the lie. If we can't see who we really are and act as though we are something different we have the problems of who we are and the problems that come from ignoring the first set of problems. Kind of a Chinese box. I am thankful that we have a God that knows us and works to make us the person we were created to be and Godly leaders to guide us along the way.
ReplyDeleteToo long between posts.
ReplyDeleteOne thing about Catholicism I have always admired and wished would have somehow made it into "Charismatic/Pentecostal tradition," the confessional. Plenty of stuff about the healing that comes from confession. Sadly, most Christians are ignorant (lack of teaching) or extremely apprehensive (lack of trust). Many people know they are blind, but do not feel safe coming to those who are supposed to represent Christ. God help us to be open and unoffendable, so that others can really be healed, not just perform a religious exercise.