Copyright © 2012 By William
Valmyr
“15 That’s why, when I heard of the solid
trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the
Christians, 16 I couldn’t stop thanking God for you-every time I prayed, I’d think
of you and give thanks. 17 But I do more than thank. I ask-ask the God of our
Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory-to make you intelligent and discerning
in knowing Him personally, 18 your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see
exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this
glorious way of life He has for Christians, 19 oh, the utter extravagance of
His work in us who trust Him-endless energy, boundless strength!” (Ephesians
1:15-19, The Message)
In a recent conversation with a friend, I began to reflect
upon the power of having spiritual sight. In this day and age, one of the
greatest assets that a believer can have is the ability to wear spiritual
lenses. How often have I looked at my own life circumstances and made an
assumption about them? And how often has God the Holy Spirit convicted me of
the sin of presumption? We need to seek God for the gifts of discernment and
wisdom. If you would be honest with God and others, all of us at some point or
another have committed the grievous sins called presumption, and
assumption. People will always be making
assumptions, drawing conclusions, and offering suggestions about who you are,
what you do and what you need to do. There are many times when such assumptions
are untrue and such words of advice will do more harm than good.
I believe that Christians must be careful not to look at things,
situations and others with their carnal eyes or fleshly propensities. It is my prayer that we would develop the
habit of forming positive thoughts concerning God’s plan for your life, your
current context and the relationships that God has entrusted and enrich your
life with. It is God’s desire that His children learn how to develop the spirit
of discernment. “21 Folly is pleasure to him
who is without heart and sense, but a man of understanding walks
uprightly [making straight his course].” (Proverbs 15:21, Amplified). It is my prayer that “the God our Master,
Jesus Christ, the God of glory-to make you intelligent and discerning in
knowing Him personally, 18 your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see
exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this
glorious way of life He has for Christians” (Ephesians 1:17b-18, The Message) I
am praying for you!
