Having Eyes But Cannot See
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
I have found myself losing some ability to see. I got new glasses, new lens in both my glasses, and as well, cataract surgery. So, all should be well, right? Not so much. It’s not that I can’t see clearly, I just don’t see things, even if they end up being right in front of me. Blindness isn’t just in how you see naturally, it is even worst not to be able to see spiritually. For example, recently, I wrote a Facebook post on being blind, here is what I said:
Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What would you want me to do for you?” It was obvious what Bartimaeus wanted … he was blind and he wanted to see. So, I thought if Jesus asked me that same question, how would I answer Him? Sight is not only being able to see with the natural eye… it is also how you see yourself before God. For example, Jesus told the Laodicean Church they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. The Church never saw themselves that way … they saw themselves as rich and in need of nothing. They had eyes to see but could not see what God saw. The Laodicean Church was as blind as Bartimaeus, but Bartimaeus knew his need for Jesus. We may have eyes to see but still may remain blind. ~Larry Kutzler, Facebook Post
Recently, some friends in Minneapolis were frustrated with their Church’s direction on the issues facing immigrants in their community. It has been a hotly debated issue in some Churches in the Twin Cities. It is my contention that blindness is the first stage of being deceived … if you can’t see clearly the spiritual issues at stake, the fall back is discernment through emotion. The blindness of the Laodicean Church can be clearly seen today, but at that time, they had no clue how blind they really were, in fact their perception was, “We have no need.” That attitude contributed to the citation that Jesus gave to them about being lukewarm.
I have concluded that Jesus is not okay with being neutral. A Church with no convictions, no firm stands against sin, and no discernment from the Holy Spirit, is a Church that will not be effective with the message of the Gospel. The Gospel has a clear statement of conviction, it does not wavier, nor does it compromise in proclaiming the truth about Jesus Christ.
Blindness
I am amazed at the blindness of pastors who do not think it necessary to preach conviction. The Gospel is a statement of conviction. Why? The Church is overseen by the Holy Spirit … His ministry among us is all about conviction. Jesus told us that when the Holy Spirit came, He would bring conviction:
John 16:8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
You just can’t get away from the conviction that persuades us to follow Jesus Christ.
Today, take time to ask yourself, “Am I living under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, to repent of sin, surrender to God, and to know evil does not win, but is judged for all eternity?
Challenging the Culture with Truth … Larry Kutzler