Author's Eye Crisis

"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luke 11:33-36 NASB)

I had intended to move past eye disease after yesterday's post. When lightning started flashing in the periphery of my right eye, I thought I had been writing about eye disease entirely too long. When a large "floater" drifted into my central vision and decided to stay there, I was certain I had tarried until I had begun to develop "sympathy symptoms". The floater worsened, the lightning increased, and I wasn't quite so sure. 

After a few minutes at the computer spent trying to see around the large floater, it was obvious there was a real, not imagined, problem. Every physician knows to take "flashing lights" seriously, and the devotional series had only reinforced that. I prayed. I text'd my prayer partners and family to pray, made an appointment, and headed to Bible School for our last day. The flashing intensified again and I left for the ophthalmologist's office, hoping to be worked in. 

I've known Dr. Bill Brawner since we were both in training. I've never been so grateful for his expertise and his caution. He spent an incredible amount of time examining my eye to be certain of the diagnosis. Posterior Vitreous Detachment. No retinal detachment, which I had feared. 

This is how the National Eye Institute describes it: "Most of the eye's interior is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that helps the eye maintain a round shape. There are millions of fine fibers intertwined within the vitreous that are attached to the surface of the retina, the eye's light-sensitive tissue As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks, and these fine fibers pull on the retinal surface. Usually the fibers break, allowing the vitreous to separate and shrink from the retina. This is a vitreous detachment."

As the vitreous fibers pull away, they can pull so hard that they cause a macular hole or a retinal detachment, damaging vision. It has a 10% risk of retinal tear, with half of those leading to retinal detachment. My tugging fibers did none of that, and I pray they don't. I praise God for my intact retina. The light show is a little disconcerting, but it should resolve over the next few weeks.

Vitreous detachment is very common over the age of fifty. Even though I feel 25, the number of birthdays I have celebrated is part of the problem. The near-sightedness I've had since childhood is implicated, as well. There's not a single thing I can do to prevent a second vitreous detachment (except, of course, pray. You can be sure I'm doing that.)

What is so strange to me is that I had risk factors for Posterior Vitreous Detachment, but was powerless to change any of them. There is nothing I can do to decrease the risk, and nothing to increase the risk. It's simply life unfolding in an unexpected way. It happens, and it is very common.

Life is full of unexpected surprises that are not always as pleasant as we might hope. This one caught me completely off guard. I am certain, however, that our omniscient God was not caught off guard at all. He knew the challenges I would face yesterday and He made preparation in advance. My friend and ophthalmologist was in his office. They could work me in at the end of their schedule. I had already planned to be in Tupelo, only a few blocks from his office. 

We cannot prevent every difficulty we encounter. We cannot avoid trouble. Some of the things that come our way, like mine yesterday, are due to nothing more than the failure of frail flesh. It can be frightening. Loss of vision could have drastically impacted my life as a writer, but the peace that passes all understanding was enough to see me through. Looking back on yesterday, I am amazed that I was never beset with fear or anxiety. I trusted in the One who promised to see me through. 

For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 

'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 

(Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)

Today, I'll do the things I always do, look past the floater, and try to enjoy the light show flashing in my right eye. The failure of my own frail flesh brings me one step closer to the time when I will step into my eternal home, and that is cause for rejoicing.

If you aren't facing a personal crisis now, you have in the past or you will in the future. Personal crises are a part of life, though never scheduled or anticipated. There is no need to tremble in fear or collapse from anxiety. As believers, we can meet our challenges head-on, confident that the One who is ultimately in charge will be with us, every step of the way. 

"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." (Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB)

When life happens in unexpected ways, remember Who holds your life in His loving hands, and take hope and help from the One who will see you through.

Filled with Light

 

photos courtesy of National Eye Institute

"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luke 11:33-36 NASB)

We've taken a little detour through the world of eye disease to help us understand the importance of having "clear eyes". Most of the photos used to illustrate the different types of vision loss were variations on the photo above, all from the National Eye Institute. Shocking difference, isn't it? In the normal vision photograph above, the faces are clear and the colors are bright. In the diseased vision photograph, the faces are partially obscured, and the colors are dull and muddy. There's a big difference, isn't there?

Jesus said that, when our "eye is bad" our body is filled with darkness. It's hard to understand until we compare the photo illustrating normal vision (clear vision) with the photo illustrating "dark" vision (or diseased vision) Take a moment to look at the photos and compare them to the light (or darkness) present in your own life.

If we are to be lamps on a lampstand, the light within us is kindled by the Holy Spirit. When the eye of our heart is "clear" (or not diseased) we are able to receive light and see all around us clearly. When the eye of our heart is "dark" (or diseased), the reception of light is decreased and our vision is drastically altered. 

Jesus cautioned his disciples to "watch out that the light in you is not darkness." That phrase seemed odd to me, but I've learned something from our study of eye disease. Most of the eye diseases are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) until the late stages. The only way to "watch out that the light in you is not darkness" is with a regular "eye" exam. Trained professionals can examine our eyes to determine whether or not they are normal, diagnose disease at an early stage, and institute treatment to prevent worsening of the disease.

Wouldn't it be nice if we had an "eye of the soul doctor" who could diagnosis the first seeds of sin before they get roots and grow in our lives? We do! One of the Holy Spirit's jobs is the convict and correct us. Our job is to listen and follow His leading. There are times when He has quite a job with me, but my desire is to listen closely and change quickly. I've received more than enough sin-induced discipline in my life; I don't want any more. 

There are two main ways I've found to keep my vision clear. (Not that I'm perfect at all.) 
1. Allowing an accountability partner to speak truth with love. My friend, Shelia, and I have been praying together once a week for years. We've studied together, discussed the interpretation of Scripture together, and prayed together. Over time, we've held each other accountable in more ways than I can tell. It is not uncommon for Shelia to say, "That sounds like fear (or whatever sin I'm about to head into) to me" or "I'm not sure about that" when I'm heading in the wrong direction. She's honest with me and holds me to a higher standard, and I do the same for her. If you don't have someone in your life who will help you stay accountable, ask God to give you someone. I'm a much more faithful follower of Christ because of my friend. 

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 NASB

2. Studying Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to convict and correct through it. When I read Scripture, I ask God to speak to me through it. He never fails to give me a fresh insight, but sometimes I have to wait longer than other times for it. If I am faithful to persist in study, He is faithful to teach me. Holy Spirit will reveal any areas of darkness in me. It's up to me to allow change.

Having a friend to help is a priceless treasure, but no one takes the place of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. He is the spiritual equivalent of a "trained professional" for the eyes of our heart. When I ask, "Show me my heart the way You see it," He does. Although I don't always like what He shows me, I can't change what I don't know about. 

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth...

John 16:13 NASB

Today, let's take a few moments for an "eye exam", and ask the Holy Spirit to examine the eyes of our heart, show us areas of darkness, and help us to make any corrections that need to be changed. When our eye is clear, our whole body will be full of light. What a wonderful goal!

Open the eyes of our heart Lord, we want to see You...

Arcus Senilis and pressing on

"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luke 11:33-36 NASB)

We are currently taking a detour through a few eye diseases to help us understand the concept of "clear eye" and to make spiritual applications. We have previously considered Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Detached Retina, Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Retinopathy #2, and Diabetic Retinopathy #3. You can click on the links to see those.

Our topic today is not a disease at all. Arcus Senilis is a white ring that forms at the outer edge of the cornea and is due to lipid deposits in the deep tissue. When seen in younger people, it can indicate a high cholesterol. In older people, it is considered a change of aging. 

When  I look at the white ring beginning at the outer edge of my own cornea, I am tempted to be dismayed. How can this be? I still feel 25 and I do not welcome signs of aging. That tiny sliver of white, however, is an inescapable reminder that I am growing older and am officially a "senior citizen." I am closer to eternity than I have ever been.

I haven't always lived with eternity in view, but it is on my mind these days. Just yesterday, my friend told me about her son's lifelong friend who has terminal cancer and is now on hospice. He is just a few years old than my own son. I suspect eternity is on his mind, too.

Perhaps we should all live with our eyes focused on eternity. If we remembered our eternal destination, we might be able to keep our present in perspective. The riches of this world are nothing more than dirt and stone in eternity, where gold is used to pave the streets. 

If we kept heaven in the foreground of our minds, would we make better choices in relationships? In priorities? I think we might. One day, we will answer for our choices, our priorities. As the time for giving answers draws nearer, I want to be prepared. It is only the blood of Jesus that cleanses us and makes us fit for heaven, but we will give an account of how we lived our lives. 

Every day is a gift, for we are not promised length of days. Each one that passes brings us closer to the time when we will see our Lord face to face. When the moment comes to cast our crowns at His feet, I want to have lived in such a way that I actually have a crown to cast. When we give account of our lives, I want my life to have borne fruit to give Him who gave His life for me.

We are closer to meeting Jesus face to face than we have ever been, no matter our age. Let us live our lives as those who have been redeemed, our eyes fixed on the final destination, our hearts centered on Christ. 

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 NASB)

Diabetic retinopathy, part 3: Following Recommendations

"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luke 11:33-36 NASB)

We are currently taking a detour through a few eye diseases to help us understand the concept of "clear eye" and to make spiritual applications. We have previously considered Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Detached Retina, Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Diabetic Retinopathy #2. You can click on the links to see those.

When I was reviewing information about diabetic retinopathy a few days ago, I came across a sentence that astounded me. "People with proliferative retinopathy can reduce their risk of blindness by 95% with timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care."1 The risk of blindness is not completely eliminated, but carefully following the recommendations of skilled physicians can decrease the risk of blindness tremendously. Considering how many times a day I "see" with my eyes, it seems foolish not to do what is recommended, yet diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness. Even though blindness can be prevented, we often fail to do what is needed to prevent it.

I don't have diabetes, and I don't want it. One of the things I fear most about diabetes is the business of following recommendations, "doing what I'm told". As an adult who was once a strong-willed child, I still want to understand "why" and "why not". The one diabetic recommendation I don't think I would have trouble following is the one about treating eye disease and preventing blindness. If we don't want blindness, we must do what it takes to protect our eyes. I can embrace that.

The world is full of recommendations and guidelines.  Lists of "twenty things you should do", "ten things you should never do" abound, and some of them sound good. How do we sort through all the information available today? How do we know what is true and what is not? Wouldn't it be nice to have a standard of truth against which everything else can be judged? 

It turns out that there is a standard. As followers of Christ, the Bible is our plumb line and everything else can be judged against it. If we obey the instructions God have given us in His Word, we will have a life that is filled with love, joy, peace. That does not mean we will be rich in material things, but in those with eternal significance. The Bible has many if/then promises. They are a little like the 95% reduction in blindness, but they are 100%. If we do what God says, He will do a certain thing.

Here are a few of my particular favorites: (an implied 'then' is in parentheses)

2 Chronicles 7:14 - "IF My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (Just to be sure we're clear, this is a directive for God's people, not the ones who don't know Him.)

Isaiah 1:19 - "IF you consent and obey, (THEN) you will eat the best from the land."

John 15:10,14 - IF you keep my commandments, (THEN) you will abide in My love.

Matthew 6:14-15  IF you forgive men when they sin against you, (THEN) your heavenly Father will also forgive you..."

Matthew 17:20 - IF you have faith as small as a mustard seed, (THEN) you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Those are not simply good recommendations, they are promises from Almighty God. If we do what He says, then we will have such good results as He promises. As encouraging as the 95% prevention of blindness is, these verses should be even more encouraging because they are 100% sure. If we obey, God will respond in ways that will astound us. It only makes good sense to obey.

If we need wisdom for today, we don't have to turn to a "twenty things to do" list that we download from the internet. What we need is TRUTH that stands the test of time, and that truth is readily available. Let's be sure we turn to the One who IS truth when we seek truth.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; 

no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6 NASB

1. https://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy

Deserving a Cupcake: Diabetic retinopathy (spiritual and physical)

"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luke 11:33-36 NASB)

We are currently taking a detour through a few eye diseases to help us understand the concept of "clear eye" and to make spiritual applications. We have previously considered Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Detached Retina, Cataracts, and Diabetic Retinopathy. You can click on the links to see those. Today, we are taking a little side trip from Diabetic Retinopathy. (You'll be able to find a thread from diabetic retinopathy leading to today's topic.)

An odd thing happened yesterday, and I'm going to confess it. I'm helping in Bible School this week. (That's not the confession part). I'm working with some of my very favorite people. The children are all beautiful and smart, sweet and loving. It was a wonderful day. It was also an incredibly hard and stressful day. After the last precious child left, I, who haven't taken a nap in years, seriously wanted to go home, climb in bed, and take a nap. 

As I was driving home, the thought came to me, "After a day like this, I deserve a cupcake." Yeah, right. If we talked about what I actually deserve, we would not be talking about cupcakes. My bent toward sin should result in death and eternal damnation. I don't deserve a cupcake. I deserve a cup of wrath. It is only because of the mercy and grace of God that I can look forward to an eternity in heaven. Praise God, He doesn't give me what I deserve.

I had hoped to be rid of my sense of entitlement, that attitude of "I deserve". I'm obviously not there yet, and I'm not the only one. The cupcake considerations have left me wondering about this sense of entitlement that has become so pervasive. Why is it that we think we deserve anything at all, that we are entitled to anything at all? 

I reviewed the U.S. Bill of Rights, just in case it has caused this sense of entitlement, but there are no cupcakes in the Bill of Rights. It guarantees our "rights" to certain freedoms like religion, speech, assembly, a free press, keeping and bearing arms, unreasonable search and seizure, among others. It doesn't guarantee a right to the latest cell phone, a big house, central air conditioning, or tasty and nutritious food. It doesn't guarantee housing or transportation. It doesn't guarantee medical care or medication.

As believers, God certainly doesn't guarantee us many of the comforts to which we have become "entitled". It is clear from Scripture that the closest followers of Christ faced trials, peril, persecution, and a martyr's death. The reward was in their relationship with God and the blessings found in eternity. 

Why does a sense of entitlement matter? Entitlement robs us of gratitude. It destroys a sacrifice of thanksgiving. We cannot give thanks in all things if we believe we deserve only the best. When we "deserve" all the best things, nothing is a gift. We accept that which comes our way as our just due rather than as a gift from a gracious and loving God. That sense of deserving the best is a form of pride, and God takes a dim view of such foolishness.

I've repented of my pride and sense of entitlement. Again. I'm counting my blessings and thanking God for His generosity to me. What about you? Has that sense of entitlement slowly crept into your heart, as well? If so, then join me in repenting of our pride and embracing the generosity of God.

"for by grace you have been saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 

not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Ephesians 2:8,9 NASB

Diabetic Retinopathy - Physical and Spiritual

"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luke 11:33-36 NASB)

We are currently taking a detour through a few eye diseases to help us understand the concept of "clear eye" and to make spiritual applications. We have previously considered Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Detached Retina, and Cataracts. You can click on the links to see those. Today, we are exploring Diabetic Retinopathy.

The picture above is frightening to me. This is the same photo we've viewed several times, but this time, it is shown as seen with diabetic retinopathy. In diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, there is damage to the blood vessels of the eye. This is manifested in two ways. In some people, micro-aneurysms form along the blood vessels of the eye. These tiny aneurysms are ballooned-out areas of thinning and enlargement of the vessels. Very fragile, the micro-aneurysms can rupture and bleed into the eye and cause vision blurring or loss. 

As the retinopathy progresses, the vessels can become blocked, eventually resulting in hypoxia of the retina. The brain reacts to the lack of oxygen in the retina (the hypoxia) by triggering the growth of new blood vessels along the retina. That sounds like a good thing, but it is not. The new vessels are fragile and prone to bleed. When these vessels bleed, the end result is often vision loss and blindness. 

Everyone with diabetes is at risk for retinopathy and nearly half (45%) of the people with diabetes have some degree of retinopathy. There are no warning symptoms, so regular eye exams are essential. That's scary, isn't it? 

What's even scarier is that tight glucose control has been shown to slow the onset and progression of retinopathy. Yes. Keeping our blood sugar under control at all times can help to save our vision. When we are looking at a piece of cake or a bowl of pasta, it's hard to remember that, but it's true. Preventing diabetic retinopathy is done one choice at a time. 

I've tried to avoid carbohydrates recently, and it's harder than I thought. As usual, the thing I say I'm not going to have is the very thing I want. It's not impossible, however. Like most things, limiting carbohydrates is a task done one choice at a time.

Diabetic retinopathy relates to our spiritual lives in more than one way, but we will only consider the issue of choice today. (More later) In the Southern United States, diabetes is rampant. Genetics does play a part, but many cases of Type II diabetes are related to life-style choices. Lack of exercise, excessive simple carbohydrates, too little protein all predispose us to diabetes. Regular exercise, limiting our carbohydrates and processed foods, a steady supply of protein are all lifestyle choices that can help prevent diabetes and keep us healthy. If we choose them. 

Just as important, only one good choice is not enough. Eating chicken every day while also eating a sugary dessert at every meal does not "balance out". Taking medication without changing our diet is not enough. A healthy lifestyle requires that we choose all the actions in a healthy lifestyle. (Diet and exercise)

From a spiritual perspective, Bible study, memorizing Scripture, forgiving those who have wronged us, praying for enemies, and loving our neighbor as ourselves are all choices that can help keep us healthy spiritually.  Jesus summed it up in a simple two-part command. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. If we do that, following Him will be much easier. 

Obedience is not an a la carte menu. God did not present us with a buffet of obedience options. Bible study alone will not make us the disciples Jesus intended us to be, nor will memorizing the entire Bible. Loving God must be accompanied by loving our neighbor, and we must love our neighbor as we love ourselves. 

When we love as we are supposed to love, everything changes. When we love our neighbor as ourselves, we are less likely to condemn our neighbor and more likely to pray for our neighbor. We are less likely to indulge our own wants and more likely to meet the needs of our neighbor, instead. 

If we want to prevent diabetic retinopathy, we must make a series of hard choices every single day. If we want to become the disciple Jesus intended, we must also make a series of hard choices, every single day. Those choices begin with love. 

Of all the choices we can make, the greatest one, the most important one, is love. It changes everything. 

Cataracts - physical and spiritual

"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luke 11:33-36 NASB)

We are currently taking a detour through a few eye diseases to help us understand the concept of "clear eye" and to make spiritual applications. We have previously considered Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Detached Retina. You can click on the links to see those. Today, we are exploring Cataracts. 

A cataract is a clouding of the part of the eye known as the lens. Much like the lens in a camera, the lens of our eye focuses light on the retina. If the lens is clouded, the image we see is blurred. The lens is made of protein and water but, as we age, the protein can clump together. The "clump" is known as a cataract and can increase in size over time. Eventually, the "protein clump" (or cataract) can grow large enough that it blurs vision enough to impact our daily activities. When that happens, surgical removal is the only solution.

Risk factors for cataracts include diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and excessive exposure to sunlight. We can help prevent cataracts with a few simple techniques. Stop drinking alcohol. Stop smoking. Keep blood sugars down. Eat green leafy vegetables. Wear sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim when outside.

How do you know you have a cataract? In addition to blurry vision, colors seem faded, night vision decreases, glare from lights seems too bright. They are diagnosed by an eye professional and treated with surgery when the cataract begins to impair lifestyle.

Cataracts in our eyes are very common as we age, but cataracts in our heart are just as common. We are both flesh and spirit, but when we allow our "flesh" to exert a greater influence on our lives and our choices than the Spirit of God, problems will result. Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Galatians.

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:17, 19-21 NASB)

I wish I could say that I am perfect, but you know that I am not. Neither you nor I will be perfect until we reach heaven. Until then, we will encounter opportunities to sin every day of our lives. I wish it were not so, but it is. Every single day, we have a chance to choose or reject sin. Some days, I do pretty well. Other days, I choose sin before I realize I'm doing it. There are times, though, when I choose sin because I want to choose it. Perhaps you do that, too. It saddens me that I, who have known so much of God's grace and mercy, can fail Him so miserably. 

When I consider what Christ paid to free me from sin, I am appalled at my own choices, my own behavior. Like the apostle Paul, I want to choose righteousness, holiness every time. Like him, sin and flesh war within me, and, of course, within you. 

When we allow sin to remain in our lives, it acts a little like the protein clumps that form a cataract. It grows inside our hearts like an insidious cancer. Unrepentant anger becomes seething anger, then bitterness, then hatred. That's just one example, but you and I know how tenacious sin can be. It clings. It grows. It clouds our spiritual vision. 

The longer we leave sin unchecked, the worse our spiritual vision grows. Faster than we can believe, the deeds of the flesh begin to look normal to us. Sin becomes more comfortable than righteousness. 

There is only one solution. Surgery. We must allow Christ to remove our sin and cleanse our hearts. I learned this song as a little girl, but it is still true today.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

What can make me whole again?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The first step in treatment is diagnosis, so let's allow the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts for hidden, unrepentant sin, then allow Him to cleanse us once again. When He creates in us a clean heart, He also renews a right spirit within us. (Psalm 51:10) If we want clear vision, those things that cloud our vision must go. In their place, however, the Spirit will leave a beautiful gift that makes the "surgery" all the more precious. When our eye is clear, our whole body is full of light, and what a wonderful light it is! 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NASB)