Blind Christians
Over the years I have met many believers who were spiritually blind to the things of the Lord. They were not able to discern His will, and they could not see what He was clearly doing around them or in His church. It used to puzzle me until I learned what it says in II Peter 1:5-9. It is a very significant truth that will help us see what is happening to others and in our own lives.
The Lord inspired Peter to reveal a process of growing as a Christian by adding one virtue to another in our lives. This comes by the power of the Spirit, but we have to be willing and put forth the effort to do His will. If we do this, we will be fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.(v.8) However, if we lack these virtues and the growth that comes by adding them, we become "short-sighted, even to blindness."(v.9) In other words a believer who is not progressing in the Lord develops very poor spiritual vision, even to the point of blindness.
This truth explains the situation in which many people find themselves. It is good that we can realize their plight, but it is sad that we can't get them out of their condition by a simple prayer. The only solution is for them to begin to walk with the Lord and begin progressing in these virtues. Then, their sight will be restored. It is possible. I often tell them that they did not get in that condition over night, and they will not get to where they ought to be over night, either. However, once a person turns fully back to the Lord, He starts to show them the peace, joy, and love of life, while He sets them on the road to real growth.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 95-97.
The Lord inspired Peter to reveal a process of growing as a Christian by adding one virtue to another in our lives. This comes by the power of the Spirit, but we have to be willing and put forth the effort to do His will. If we do this, we will be fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.(v.8) However, if we lack these virtues and the growth that comes by adding them, we become "short-sighted, even to blindness."(v.9) In other words a believer who is not progressing in the Lord develops very poor spiritual vision, even to the point of blindness.
This truth explains the situation in which many people find themselves. It is good that we can realize their plight, but it is sad that we can't get them out of their condition by a simple prayer. The only solution is for them to begin to walk with the Lord and begin progressing in these virtues. Then, their sight will be restored. It is possible. I often tell them that they did not get in that condition over night, and they will not get to where they ought to be over night, either. However, once a person turns fully back to the Lord, He starts to show them the peace, joy, and love of life, while He sets them on the road to real growth.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 95-97.