When you go to an optometrist you hope that he will tell you that you have 20/20 vision. This means that your vision is normal. Sometimes, however, our vision is less than normal and we need to have corrections made so that we can see better, usually in the form of glasses or contact lenses. However, there are many other diseases than can impair vision that need correcting.

Spiritually, we also need to be able to have 20/0 vision. Spiritually, there are “diseases” that can affect our having clear insight into how we live our lives. Jesus said that if the blind lead the blind, then both will fall into a ditch (Matt. 15:14). We do not want to be spiritually blind. Being spiritually blind is far worse than losing our natural vision. To avoid spiritual blindness we need several things.

First we need to have clear vision. That is, we need to understand things as they really are. The Bible speaks of some ever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth (II Tim. 3:7). This is spiritual blindness. One of the great commands in scripture is that we be sober (Tit. 2:1-10). This does not just mean that we drink no alcohol, but that we be clear thinking about life.

Second, we also need to be able to see close up. Some people can see fine far away but have trouble adjusting their eyesight nearer to them. Spiritually, we can also have trouble seeing nearer to us than farther away. Paul warned us to be able to examine ourselves–that is, see close up and personal (II Cor. 13:5). Jesus said there were some that could see the mote in another’s eye but could not see the beam in their own eye (Matt. 7:1-5).

Third, some people can see close up just fine but cannot see far away. Peter said that the man who does not add the Christian virtues is blind and cannot see afar off and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins (II Pet. 1:9). Some Christians cannot see the big picture and forget what living the Christian life is all about. Paul said in order for us to live the Christian life acceptably we have to see the great cloud of witnesses and look to Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1,2).

This year let us have 20 / 20 vision. Let have clear vision, examine ourselves and look unto Jesus.

Eric L. Padgett