The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:22
The world is being presented with darkness on multiple fronts. We hear the news constantly talking about an economic recession, wars, and rumors of wars. There are systems set in place to perpetuate more division, chaos, and confusion. Therefore, it’s a constant fight to keep the faith!
The enemy strategically targets our minds to weigh us down mentally and emotionally, which can make it difficult to make rational decisions if we don’t keep guard. If we’re not alert, our hearts can gradually become insensitive. Therefore, we must be diligent in our pursuit to walk in righteousness and make sure that we are filtering every thought with the Word of God; helping us to maintain a godly perspective.
In the natural, when it’s pitch black outside it becomes difficult for us to see; especially for those of us who live in the south. Regardless of the darkness, we put on our headlights or high beams, and we keep it moving!
So, it doesn’t matter how dark this world may get, God is our light, in which no darkness can withstand! Furthermore, God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path; Psalm 119:105.
Psalm 84:11 says, For God is a sun and shield. In life, it’s not that the sun doesn’t shine. The question, in most cases, is where are we located in relation to the sun? If you’re in a building with no windows, then you’re not going to experience light from the sun unless you step outside.
This poses the question: Are you drawing in the light?
We become more enlightened as we meditate on the Word of God, and by maintaining our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!
John 1:4 says, in Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
As we continue to follow Christ, we’re able to walk in the light that shines in the midst of darkness. Moreover, we become a reflection of His light for others who cannot see. But before we begin helping others who are either blind or their vision is obscured, let’s look at what the Lord has to say over in Matthew 7:3-5.
Being More Introspective
And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 …First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matt. 7:3-5
Now, in order for us to put this Scripture in practice, there are times when we must be introspective. Introspective means to look inwardly. In other words, to examine our own thoughts, feelings, and actions, to determine whether we’re in the faith.
So, let me give you a few examples of questions that you may ask yourself in light of being introspective:
1. Am I reflecting the character of Jesus Christ?
2. Am I at peace right now or am I experiencing anxiety or fear?
3. Did I handle that situation the right way based on the Word of God?
4. Am I being overly critical or judgmental towards others?
5. Am I allowing my ego to get in the way?
You see, one of the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation. Being transformed by the renewing of your mind allows you to become the best version of yourself. Although we have the Holy Spirit, God still allows us to have our own unique personality. Out of all the people born into the world, no two people have the exact same fingerprint.
Secondly, as you become the best version of yourself, your light will begin to shine on others helping them find their way towards God. But you must first begin to walk in freedom in order to free someone else.
Understand you can’t give something that you don’t have. Therefore, people will be able to eat from your tree and find fruit for nourishing their souls. Maybe it’s the unconditional love that they experience when they’re in your presence. Maybe it’s your wisdom, your compassion, your empathy. Empathy is like medicine to a person’s soul.
Walk Circumspectly
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
The word circumspect means being careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences or outcomes. There are times when we must look at things from multiple different angles. To give you an illustration, if you were a professional photographer, in most cases you would take multiple shots from several different angles. Why? Because each picture is going to look slightly different based on the angle of the footage.
Instead of having tunnel vision, we should have more of a peripheral vision. Every time you operate a vehicle, you’re using peripheral vision. Can I take it a step further? The Bible informs us that we are triune beings.
You are a spirit, you possess a soul, and you live in a physical body. Therefore, we should see things from a three-dimensional point of view just as Christ demonstrated during His earthly ministry.
Illustration: With ultrasound technology, we’re able to see a baby in their mother’s wound and determine the sex before the baby is ever born. It allows us to see beyond the surface.
Christ demonstrated for us how to see things beyond the surface; John 2:25 says Jesus knew what was in man. Therefore, He did not commit Himself to everyone.
He addressed things in the natural. That’s one dimensional. Then, was able to use discernment. That’s two-dimensional. But He also said, I only do what I see the Father doing. So, He was communing with the Father outside of time from an eternal realm. That’s three-dimensional. So, He was operating in all three dimensions simultaneously.
Jesus took time to make a calculated decision when He stooped down and used His finger to draw in the sand; John 8:1-11.
Whenever I’m presented with a situation that involves judging a person’s character, I try not to jump to conclusions. The Bible says out of the mouths of two or three witnesses, let truth be established.
Again, we’re talking about viewing all possible circumstances or outcomes. In other words, seeing things from multiple different angles. I find it interesting how two people can experience the same event but see different things. Our normal and our perspectives are based on our own experiences. This is another reason why the Bible says there’s wisdom in a multitude of counselors.
Sometimes my wife sees things that I don’t see. So often throughout life you’re going to be presented with situations that are going to require you to use wisdom and sound judgment.
Now if we’re going to walk circumspectly, in godly wisdom, that means our belief system should be in alignment with the Word of God.
Belief Systems
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Your belief system is determined by what you truly believe in your heart. You have to change old beliefs by replacing them with what God’s Word says concerning the matter. Old beliefs must die in order to bring about the desired result.
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:24
If you think that feeling bad or worrying long enough will change your past or future events, then you have a belief that needs rewiring. Scripture: Who can add one cubit to his stature by worrying; Matt. 6:27?
So, why is this important? Because your belief system will determine your actions!
For example, you may have a fear about something, but don’t know the reason why. In most cases, there’s a belief that is deep rooted in your subconscious that you’re not consciously aware of. So, because of fear you don’t take action.
Let me give you another example, you may have an issue with excessive drinking. But in most cases, there’s a deeper underlying issue that’s driving you to drink excessively. Maybe there are issues that you’re dealing with mentally. Can I go a little deeper? Maybe there are issues that you need wisdom concerning how to confront those issues.
Maybe you believe that nobody listens, or that nobody cares. Listen, you have about 30 warriors on the call that care about your well-being. Don’t isolate yourself…
You see there are some things that we just can’t put a band aid on. It requires healing! Perhaps there are things that you feel you can’t break free from. It requires deliverance! Whatever the case may be, it has to pass through your belief system! God specializes in matters that deal with the heart!
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
Key Virtues
• Do unto others as you would have others do unto you; Matthew 7:12.
• Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt; Colossians 4:5
• Temperance; 2 Peter 1:5-8
• Compassion
• Kindness- An act of kindness
Work on one virtue each week.
In summary, when you feel that you are going through a dark place or moment, I encourage you to allow more of God’s light to shine through the depths of your soul.
Last week I felt myself slowly drifting into a depression. I was reflecting on my short-term goals, and I felt like I wasn’t hitting the mark. So, I felt pressure because I was on a time clock that I put on myself.
There’s nothing wrong with setting goals, but we have to give ourselves grace. In retrospect, I was running low on fuel. And this is why it’s important that we take in substance that will bring inspiration to our souls.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
As strange as this world is, you would think that so much darkness would drive people to the light. But there’s people that love darkness.
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19
What happens when you meditate on something? It becomes a part of your core being.
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life. John 6:27
What’s most important is not where we are, but in what direction we are moving. Keep moving forward!