By nature, we all think that we see with crystal clarity. The idea that my wisdom is superior is not limited to those who have devoted themselves to study in the halls of higher learning.
Living in a college town, but having grown up in a rural area, I am especially aware of the conflicting mindsets between the educated elite and the blue-collar worker.
College professors are often known for their arrogance. Hiring a carpenter to work at his house, the professor might think, “Look at this guy. His clothes are stained and ripped, his hands are rough, and his language is unrefined. The lack of education is obvious.”
Meanwhile, the carpenter will scoff when he sees the job that the professor hired him to complete. “Well, the guy surely lacks common sense. Even my grade-school kid could make this fix. But that’s okay, if he wants to waste his cash and pay me good money to do simple tasks, I’m all for it!”
Over time, such judgmental attitudes cannot help but seep into our public dialogue. And how our relationships suffer!
As simple as it sounds, one of the keys to getting along is to slow down, take note of our thoughts, and to admit that we are not as informed as we think. This is especially true regarding moral and religious issues.
One of the most powerful stories in the Bible is that of the man born blind—as found in John 9. In this story, Jesus didn’t just heal the sight of a man who was blind from birth, He also used the event as an opportunity to stick a pin in the egos the Pharisees:
And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.” John 9:39-41 (NASB)
As much as we’d like to heap condemnation on the heads of those Pharisees, Jesus was speaking of a pride issue, and sadly, we are all guilty.
We seem to see well enough to identify everyone’s faults but our own.
When we humble ourselves during a fast, we are admitting that we do not see as we should. We are proclaiming to our Creator that, in the grand scheme of our cosmos, we know painfully little.
Humility is the key to spiritual clarity.
“Lord, heal open my eyes and heal my blindness” is a fitting prayer for every one of us to lift to heaven.
Personal Reflection: Of all that there is to know about God and life, how much knowledge do I possess?
Prayer: Jesus, I confess that I am blind and can see nothing apart from what You allow. Please heal my blindness and open my eyes to see as You see.
Bible Reading:
Proverbs 3:5-8
Matthew 7:1-5
John 9
Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay
Trina Flamm
Yes I agree. So often we are blinded by our own desires that do not conform to the better way that our Father in heaven wants for us. Only when we can humble ourselves and pray and seek His face will He come and heal our land. A good place to start is “me”.
SfMe Media
Amen! If we all started by searching our own hearts and humbling them before God, this world would be a so much better place!