Leonard Lauriault: Check the scriptures to avoid spiritual blindness

Religion Columnist

I arise earlier most mornings than my family members and have some quiet time for devotional reading and writing. Because I get up early, I also dress in the dark so my wife can try to get her full rest. Dressing in the dark usually works out for me because I know where to feel around for the clothes I’ve laid out for the day, although, it doesn’t always work out, which is the basis for this article.

Nonetheless, a recent incident reminded me that God does always work things out for those who love him and are trying to live to fulfill his purposes (Romans 8:28).

One morning, after tying my shoes in the dark, I marveled at how comfortable my shoes were. (I wasn’t wearing my normal work shoes that day because we were going out of town for an appointment.) As I went about my regular routine while waiting for the family to wake up and get ready, I continued enjoying the comfortable shoes without ever looking down at them.

When we were about to leave, our six-year-old grandson asked me if I planned to wear two different shoes on our trip. And there they were – a casual shoe on the right foot (the pair I intended to wear) and a tennis shoe on the left foot (not what I intended to wear). The two shoes felt so good to my feet, but since I never looked down at them, I was blinded to the reality that they were mismatched.

Spiritual blindness comes about in much the same way. We hear teachings that are comfortable, but we don’t personally shed the light of God’s word on them (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15). Jesus knew we’d need to be reminded of his love (what’s often taught) and his expectations (the parts we may not hear enough about) so we can experience the love (John 14:15; 15:9-10). So, upon his ascension, Jesus set in place a chain of events to assure that everyone would have access to the truth so they could become a Christian and begin experiencing his love to the greatest extent (John 14:25-26:16:7; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Peter 3:1-2; 1 John 5:13).

When we don’t check everything we’re taught against the standard of scripture, we’ll become comfortable with the teachings and begin believing lies that lead to destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 1 John 4:1).

Be sure to compare what you’re taught to the light of the word. Reading the Bible daily is a good way to familiarize yourself with the truth and if you have an honest heart, the Spirit will remind you what you’ve learned as you need it. Remember, the Old Testament was given to help us understand the New Testament (1 Corinthians 10:1-11). We’re to follow the teachings and commands given in the New Testament (Colossians 2:8-15; Philippians 2:12-14; 3:15-16). Then, when your deeds are exposed by the light, you’ll not be embarrassed or ashamed (John 3:16-21; 1 John 1:5-9).

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan. Contact him at [email protected]