Eyes: The Gateway to Spiritual and Physical Perception

These intricate visual sensors are one of the five senses whereby both healthy, legitimate information is received and also how evil can enter into our lives (1 Jn 2:16). When Jesus said, "The eye is the lamp to our body" He was inferring this illuminates or provides guidance to our whole being (Mt 6:22-23).

Eyes Communicate Love, Connection, and Understanding

Eyes are powerful instruments of communication. They can convey love, connection, fear, and understanding without a single word being spoken. Through our eyes, we share our deepest emotions and connect with others on a profound level. The eyes reveal the condition of our hearts and can speak volumes about our inner state. Eye contact is one of the most powerful forms of non-verbal communication. It builds trust, establishes connection, and conveys confidence in both personal and professional interactions.

The Power of Visual Influence

What we see has a profound impact on our memory. Job made a covenant with his eyes not to look with lust at a girl (Job 31:1). We are to be disciplined in this area too, and although we may not be able to shield ourselves from experiencing visual temptation, this should not become fuel for our minds. David saw, thought and then acted foolishly (2 Sam 11:2-5).

David did not stop the process but allowed the initial look to grow into a major sin. This illustrates a critical spiritual principle: temptation must be nipped in the bud. When we allow the seed of temptation to take root in our minds through dwelling on what we have seen, it grows into actions that lead to sin and its devastating consequences. We must act decisively at the first sign of temptation, refusing to entertain thoughts that could lead us astray.

Do I control my eyes?

Jesus said if the act of adultery is sin so is the lustful thought – men's eyes don't stop sinning (Ex 20:14; Prov 27:20; Mt 5:28; 2 Pet 2:14). Continually we are confronted with sexual temptation. However, we have a choice – will I take a second look, imagine and think about what I have seen, so allowing it to etch itself indelibly into my mind's memory bank from where Satan will retrieve it and develop a stronghold of bondage and defeat? It is our responsibility to use self-control to prevent access to what is undesirable, harmful or destructive such as viewing pornography.

Spiritual Sight and Enlightenment

Jesus came to open the eyes of both the spiritually and physically blind (Lk 4:18). We are to continue the mandate – "Open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God" (Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15-18; Act 26:18). This is contrasted to Satan who "blinds the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel" (Jn 12:40; 2 Cor 4:4).

We have been taken from spiritual darkness where we couldn't see, into the light of God's Kingdom (Col 1:13; 1 Jn 1:5-7, 2:9-11; 1 Pet 2:9). Our spiritual eyes need to be open so we know what's available to us in Christ and able to comprehend Satan's tactics, so we don't get caught off guard (Lk 24:31; Eph 1:18, 6:10-18, 4:27; 1 Pet 5:8). "Open my (spiritual) eyes to see wonderful things in your word" (Ps 119:18). Even as a Christian to what extent is my spiritual understanding of the riches of Christ (also termed the divine exchange) becoming clear and being put into practice in my life?

Fixing Our Eyes on Eternity

We are to fix our eyes (focus) on Jesus so we are not distracted from His calling on our life (Prov 4:25; Heb 12:2). When our attention is on us and our problems we sink (Mt 14:30). Abraham was told, "Lift up your eyes" (Gen 13:14). In the natural realm there may appear to be only defeat but the challenge is for us to see perplexing situations in the light of eternity not from an earthly perspective.

Where are my eyes focused?

Don't give up – look up, see the opportunities, see who is for us in the powerful spiritual realm (2 Kgs 6:17). In faith reach out to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to speak divine revelation into our spirits, bringing enlightenment, comfort and conviction beyond the natural physical realm.

God looks for and strengthens those whose hearts are upright, for His eyes are on the righteous but against the evil doers. Nothing can be hidden from His eyes (2 Chr 16:9; Heb 4:13; 1 Pet 3:12).

We should also have an honest, non-conceited appraisal of ourselves. The Bible instructs don't be wise in your own eyes or opinion (1 Sam 15:17,19; Prov 3:7, 16:2, 21:2; Isa 5:21; Rom 12:3). When no clear direction was given "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" – what they considered appropriate behaviour because the wicked have no fear of God to guide them (Jdg 17:6; Ps 36:2).

Reflection and Application:

What visual influences are you allowing into your life that may be affecting your spiritual walk?
How can you be more disciplined in guarding your eyes against temptation?
In what areas do you need God to open your spiritual eyes to see His truth more clearly?
Are you fixing your eyes on Jesus, or are you distracted by earthly circumstances?