Lamplight
James 2:1-10
We are taught that you “can’t judge
a book by its cover”, and “appearances can be deceiving”, but
sometimes we buy a book precisely because its cover is intriguing, and we are
drawn to people whose appearance is attractive.
They are well dressed and appear powerful so we want to get to know
them.
Kids returning to school pay attention
to the clothes they wear, and the labels on their shoes, and the names they
drop, and even the outward attitude they express. Why?
They know that if they do not fit it, they will be punished by their
peers, or if not punished, then ignored.
So, they “go along to get along.”
So many decisions we make are based
upon what and how we see with our eyes.
As a result, we may become enticed by the superficial and miss the
opportunity to explore the profound. We pass up a good book or pass by an
interesting person only because they don’t capture the eye. We miss some of the best things God has to
offer. Our spiritual growth, or lack
thereof, are guided and limited by how we see the world around us. It is a matter of vision. Our spiritual vision can become clouded.
The Apostle Paul saw that problem when
he lifted us up in this prayer:
I pray the eyes of your heart may be opened, that
you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the
glory. [1]
