Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Spiritual Cataracts


Several years ago my mother was diagnosed with cataracts. She knew that she couldn't see as clearly as she once did, but it happened so gradually they she wasn't aware of how much of her vision she had lost. And then she had surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace them with clear ones. And all of a sudden she realized what she had been missing. Colors were bold and brilliant. And she was thrilled!

I read recently about the concept of "spiritual cataracts." The idea is that where we once had joy, enthusiasm, and passion for our Christian faith, over time it begins to dull. We became staid and content with what we have DONE for Jesus instead of what we are DOING for him. We are satisfied with the status quo... or less.

David and Diane Noble suggest the following "vision test":



  • Do you find it easier to see someone else’s shortcomings before you see your own? (Luke 6:41-42)

  • Do you look to your own interests rather than the interests of others? (Philippians 2:4)

  • Do you focus more on the conflict and what people are doing rather than focusing on Jesus? (Hebrews 12:1-3)

  • Do you look more at obstacles during tough times than at God’s power and might to redeem a situation? (Numbers 13:32-33)

How is your spiritual vision? Can you see Christ clearly, or has he become blurry and undefined? If so, what are you willing to do about it?

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