Sermons Archives: June 2020

Prescription Perspective

Posted on Jun 12, 2020 | Download

My husband Matt has astigmatism. Loosely, that means the curvature of his eyes are irregular. The front surface of each eye is misshapen, therefore, takes in light at incorrect angles. The issue causes his vision to be blurred and his ability to decipher what he is seeing, especially at night, is greatly minimized. If left untreated, astigmatism can cause severe headaches, eye strain, tiredness, and lessens one's ability to concentrate for long periods of time. It can also be a source of harm. The inability to see correctly can put him, and those with him, in physical danger. So, Matt has glasses. The way that he was born into this world did not afford him the best perception, therefore, he chose to recognize the wrong and desire change. We, as Christians, are born on earth with our vision skewed as well. As we grow, often, we see things that don't feel quite right but how do you argue that what you see is wrong? You ask for help...you go to One who knows what is right. Matt's eye doctor runs tests that measure his eyes in their current state then introduces corrective lenses. He retests both working together until optimal vision is reached. Then we leave armed with a piece of paper covered in scribbles and head to purchase glasses to provide the updated vision. Jesus has pre-paid for our upgraded point of view. He has provided access to the Doctor. Yet that does not mean the day-to-day putting on of our new perception is automatic. Just like Matt has to put on his glasses every day; so do we have to put on eyes that see like Jesus sees. Something interesting that Matt has told me that bares repeating: putting on the new glasses can cause discomfort. Matt says, the longer he waits to go see the doctor the more dramatic the prescription change. Which means when he takes off the old pair and puts on the new... his new point of view, his clearer perception of the world, can actually cause physical discomfort. Pain. Why? Because while his old glasses were working, there was an untreated deterioration of sight. Matt's old vision was so poor that the corrected perception takes time for his brain and body to adjust to. Can he see? Yes. Is the new clarity uncomfortable? Yes. But each and every day he puts on his new glasses, the easier his mind adjusts to the corrected sight. God desires us to look through a new set of spectacles. He wants to keep our prescription current and effective. He has no desire for our vision to be blurry, distorted, or hindered. He does not want us focused on our personal feelings, circumstances, or distracted by bright lights headed in a different direction. Every day God provides us with corrective lenses via the Bible & personal relationship. These allow us to see Jesus' presence and perspective anywhere we go, day or night. They also allow us a clearer sightline that we may follow God's direction. So...how's your vision these days? Are you in need of an updated point of view? Are there things that feel wrong but you can't make heads or tails of them? You have the fulfilled prescription at your fingertips in the way of a Bible, prayer, worship, and friends or pastors. We all need a check-up. We need our attitudes, words, desires, plans, and perspectives to be assessed. It could be your first time putting on corrective lenses or require humbling admitting you need another appointment with the Doctor. No matter how you are seeing, allowing God into your life will result in Him showing you His perfect point of view. Matthew 13:16 "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear." Psalm 32: 8 "The Lord says, ' I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'"