The Eye

“. . .the eye is a complex optical system which collects light from the surrounding environment, regulates its intensity through a diaphragm, focuses it through an adjustable assembly of lenses to form an image, converts this image into a set of electrical signals, and transmits these signals to the brain through complex neural pathways that connect the eye via the optic nerve to the visual cortex and other areas of the brain.” -Wikipedia

If the human eye were a camera, its resolution would be 576 megapixels. What an amazing human organ! What an incredible gift from our heavenly Father!

Around 2010 I was personally reminded how precious eyesight is. I had a tear in my right eye which required no surgery and then a couple months later a tear in my left eye which required laser surgery to prevent damage to my retina. My eye doctor in Seguin took my situation very seriously and that very day I was in downtown San Antonio having surgery. My eyesight was preserved.

Physical blindness is such a challenging disability but more so is spiritual blindness. Friends of ours who have been physically blind do incredibly well with every aspect of life. Those who are spiritually blind struggle with so many aspects of life.

Fanny Crosby - (March 24 1820 – February 12 1915), was an American lyricist most famous for her Protestant Christian hymns. A lifelong Methodist, she was one of the most prolific hymnists in history, writing over 8,000 despite being blind from shortly after birth.

Fanny is quoted saying -

“If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind...for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Saviour.”

“Oh what a happy soul am I although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world contented I shall be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don't. To weep and sigh, because I'm blind? I cannot and I won’t."

But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14 NLT

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Jesus says, “No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.” Luke 11:33-36 NLT

It matters what your physical eyes or desires are fixed on. It affects everything else. And more importantly it matters what your mind is thinking about and meditating on. - the eye of the mind. In the original language the word translated “eye” can be the physical eye or it can also mean the eye of the mind and how you think about things. Replace eye with mind

Jesus’ words in Luke 11 - When your (MIND) eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light.

You’ve heard the quotes.

“What you think about you bring about”

Every person needs the spiritual transformation that Jesus gives us when we believe in Him and when we receive Him as our Savior. But we also need the ongoing upkeep and renewal and care of our mind’s eye. Caring for what we think and put into our thinking.

Jesus teaches us to do battle with what we think, with what we’re tempted with, with what others say and with what others try to convince me of.

3We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. I Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT

“We do this by keeping our eyes / mind / thoughts on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:2 NLT

“I look to you eyes / mind / thoughts for help, O Sovereign Lord. You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me.” Psalms 141:8 NLT

“I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. eyes / mind / thoughts I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.” Psalms 101:3 NLT

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts eyes / mind / thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 NLT

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7a NKJV

Dr. Tony Evans says, “Gain mastery of your thoughts and you will master your emotions. Master your emotions and you will overcome any addiction or stronghold that holds you hostage.”

There is an all out battle for your mind. Nations are battling for your mind. Politicians are battling for your mind, even lying and manipulating the facts to sway your mind. Social media is very active in swaying your thinking in every area. Foreign governments are actively trying to sway your thinking. Public dialogue in regards to human sexuality is trying to get you to think this way or that way. There is major persecution for Christians who publicly voice their support for the unborn or voice their support for Biblically defined human sexuality. Satan is in full battle mode for your mind. That’s why we need to stay in God’s Word. And add to this the daily battle with our own sinful nature. So be careful who you listen to and what you allow your mind to think about. Your physical eyes are very important but the eye of your mind is more important.

Don K. Wiehe District Sectretary/Treasurer