Have you ever considered the saying on the side view mirror of a car, "Objects in this mirror are closer than they appear," just a little alarming? Well, several years ago I succumbed to the purchase of progressive lenses, which, depending on the strength of the prescription, can make things a lot closer then they appear. If you had this experience, you know that it takes practice to use them properly.
With a smirk on their face, the person explaining how to use them suggested I tilt my head straight down at the ground so I would be able to judge properly. I remember thinking, "Nice now I will be walking into things ahead of me because I'm always staring at the ground!" I must confess, a couple times I tripped up a bit and at least once almost did a face plant. I'm sure all those around me chuckled inside and to be honest, I laughed at myself.
Peter was notorious for crashing through stop signs. Clearly, his misguided eagerness to show Jesus he was capable of fulfilling the leadership role led him to ignore the huge warning signs right in front of his eyes. The most infamous of all his statements, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be." (Mark 14:29) However, Peter undeniably, through the filling of the Holy Spirit, became very insightful in ministry as he wrote about living our life in faith with diligence and also stated that someone not being diligent might lose their ability to see clearly (2 Peter 1:5-9).
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11
I have a feeling Peter was reminiscent of his own personal experience and truly learned the difference between shortsightedness and Spirit lead assurance. His priority became a diligent effort to represent Christ rather than gain nearsighted earthly recognition and approval.
From a spiritual standpoint, when we pray, open God's Word and apply it to our hearts, it is like wearing perfectly prescribed lenses that have the ability to keep our hearts from stumbling. They will not only give us sight to see from a distance potential hazards ahead but will also allow us to see close up the needs of those in the body of Christ and as well as those who are seeking Christ. This perfect vision will keep us from missing an opportunity to minister.
Practically Speaking: How well do you wear your spiritually prescribed lenses? Do you leave them on your nightstand, forget about them, misplace them, or do you place them on your face faithfully every day? If you struggle and we all do at times, ask God to help you have the desire to read His Word and to give you spiritual understanding. If you are faithful, praise the Lord! Continue to be steadfast in your faith and pray for those you know are struggling. Find encouragement in the fact that someday we will see perfectly without any help. We will be face to face with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me. 1 Corinthians 13:12
