When I was in 3^rd grade, I got my first pair of glasses. I still remember to this day putting them on, looking out the window of Dr. Snellgrove’s office, and realizing for the first time that there were actual numbers (not just flashing blobs of light) on the time and temperature sign in front of the Greenville Bank!

When we got back home, I recall wandering around the yard just looking at the trees and sky, marveling at the clarity and definition of the leaves and clouds. For the first time, I was able to watch television from the couch with my family, and not sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the TV.

The blurry, unclear, often dangerous world I had grown accustomed to living in suddenly gained focus, clarity, and became safer with my new glasses. It occurs to me that, more often than not, I choose to view the experiences of life without first putting on my spiritual “glasses.” Maybe you’re the same way. Here’s what I mean.

Looking at People

Think for a moment about the difficult people in your life–and we all have them. Sometimes people intentionally try to harm us, and sometimes really good people just make poor decisions that impact us negatively. Sometimes the pain of this hurt seems unbearable, especially when it comes from someone we’ve entrusted with the deepest, most vulnerable parts of ourselves. The world says we have every right to hurt them back; after all, they deserve it, right? How dare they treat me this way?

Now let’s look at the same situation through the lens of scripture. When we put on our spiritual glasses, things look much different. Jesus said, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27-28)

 WHAT?!? Surely Jesus didn’t mean for me to love, bless, and pray for HIM—after the way he deceived and mistreated me! And Jesus never had to deal with HER, and her lies about me! I need to set the record straight!

Consider the example of Jesus Himself. As He was dying an incredibly brutal death on the cross, He prayed for His enemies, yes, even those who had tortured and beaten Him and nailed Him to the cross. He loved them—He loved US—with His dying breath.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

 None of us is Jesus, of course, but as His disciples His Spirit lives inside us and we are called to follow His example. The reality is we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and you and I need God’s mercy in our lives just as do those who cause us harm. Next time we are tempted to succumb to the angry, mean-spirited world’s way of dealing with human relationships, may we remember to stop long enough to put on our spiritual glasses before responding.

“Father, forgive _______, and help me to love (him/her) as you do.”

 Looking at Circumstances

 Think now about difficult situations you have faced or are facing. Perhaps it’s an illness or health issue. Perhaps it’s a financial struggle. Perhaps it’s the loss of a loved one, either to death or maybe loss of relationship due to personal decisions. Life is full of very difficult circumstances, made even more difficult if we only view them through the world’s eyes. Put on those glasses again. Everything looks very different.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”       (2 Corinthians 12:9)

While looking at things through Heaven’s eyes doesn’t make all the pain go away, it does give us renewed strength and hope.  We see situations more clearly and in the reality of God’s eternal perspective.  As we go back to the Lord time and time again, He faithfully meets our needs and leads us down paths of righteousness for our good and His glory.

Adjusting to the Vision

Another memory I have of that first pair of glasses is having to adjust everything I did slightly until I got used to the changes they made in my vision. My depth perception was off for awhile, and I walked a bit clumsily, stepping higher than necessary to the place I thought was the floor. Learning to wear spiritual glasses also takes some getting used to as well, but it all starts with remembering to put them on. As we do, we’ll find focus for our lives, clarity of purpose, and a safe path along the journey of life.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art

High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

“Be Thou My Vision,” performed by Audrey Assad