Eyes That Don’t See: A Spiritual Vision Checkup

It snuck up quietly, a little at a time. That’s the way some things happen. And we’re unaware until it’s too late (or almost). Like with my eyesight. I was convinced I could see. But truth is, I was going blind.

Our eyes are a pretty amazing thing. Each eye is composed of over 2 million working parts and connected to more than 1 million nerve fibers. 80% of what we learn and 80% of our memories are determined by what we see. Plus 80% of vision problems worldwide can be avoidable or corrected.

And with healthy eyes, we see well. Or like me, at least think we do. Which is why we need regular checkups.

Spiritual vision checkup

And every so often we need a spiritual vision checkup too.

We were out with friends, when she noticed I couldn’t read some huge letters on a building. To which I casually responded, “Oh that’s normal.” But she mentioned, with a quizzical look, that perhaps I needed new glasses.

It was only then that I started realizing how little I really was seeing. Like a little old lady, I went about walking up close and peering to see what things were. I thought that not seeing was normal, because for me it had, slowly and gradually, become the norm.

So I went for an exam. And you see (no pun intended), I’ve been diagnosed with cataracts causing advanced myopia. (7.5 in my left eye.) Only then did I realize just how bad it had gotten. Which got me to thinking.

How is our spiritual vision?

Is it really as healthy as we think it is?

Let’s find out with this vision test!

1. Our vision of the unseen

How well do we see the unseen? There is much that we can’t see with our natural eyes, and God calls us to focus on those things. Remember that just as good eyeglasses help our physical sight, prayer and Bible reading are great aids to help us see the unseen, focus on it, and live for it.

“As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV

2. Walking by faith or by sight?

We’re not supposed to walk by sight but by faith, keeping our eyes on Christ’s kingdom. And to build a life around all that has eternal significance. A life of purpose, significance, and fulfillment, rather than chasing after things that will not last and can never fill our deepest longings.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen..” – Hebrews 11:1 ESV

3. Do we really see God?

Do we really see how great and mighty he is? Or do we let our times of fear, doubt, or pain make God seem small, ineffectual, and unable? Sound spiritual vision helps us remember that he is King of kings and Lord of lords. The eternal and unchanging Creator of the universe, all-knowing, and all-powerful!

“He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:16-17 ESV

Do we see how great and mighty God is? Or do we let our times of fear, doubt, or pain make God seem small, ineffectual, and unable?

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4. Where is our focus?

Do we remember that he always has his watchful on eye on us, ready to help us focus on the right things? To help realize that he is working good in all things, and helping us focus on all that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and of good report?

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” – Proverbs 15:3

5. Do we see his word as a treasure?

Good spiritual vision sees and values God’s word as the treasure that it truly is. If we don’t see how precious it is, let’s ask him to open our eyes that we may see it!

“Open my eyes that I may behold wonderous things out of your law.” – Psalm 119:18 ESV

6. Do we see what God sees?

God sees us and others for who we are, not for what we seem. He looks beyond the external, seeing right into the heart. And so he alone can really adjust our spiritual vision so that we can see his kingdom and live for it.

“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV

The Lord corrects our vision

I couldn’t see, but was convinced I could. Bad vision snuck up slowly, little by little. And I’ve realized that sometimes bad spiritual vision does the same thing. It doesn’t happen all at once, but slowly over time. We start living mostly for the things of this world. We let worries and troubles cloud the greatness of God. And we lose sight of the fact that God’s eyes are always on us, keeping watch over us.

As I wait for them to call me for surgery, I’m grateful that my vision problems can be fixed. But I’m even more grateful that our spiritual vision can be fixed too. All we have to do is go to the Lord and ask him to open our blind eyes. To help us see him and all things as they really are.

How is your Spiritual vision?

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:2 ESV

Images: Eyeglasses by Design Ecologist | Eye exam by Ksenia Chernaya