Matthew 6:22-23
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Before you read today’s passage, read Matthew 6:19-21 again remembering your list of things of value that you identified in our last meditation. Then read Matthew 6:22-23 with this in mind.
We considered previously how investing our earthly treasure in Kingdom endeavors transforms our hearts – the seat of our motives and desires. Now Jesus gives us another avenue for transformation: the eyes. Jesus warns that what we choose to view on a regular basis will have a direct correlation to the health of our bodies.
The Hebrew understanding of the body was not the physical body alone but body and soul together. As Westerners, we tend toward dualistic thinking believing that the body and soul (or spirit) are distinct from each other. But the truth is that we are soulish people who are fully embodied and holistically human – body and soul. The condition of our bodies affects the condition of our souls and vice-versa because the two cannot be separated.
Consider inviting the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, to search your heart and mind right now. Think about your typical day. What things do you see on a regular basis, and what things do you choose to view most days? Talk to Jesus about any thoughts or feelings that arise.
Read Matthew 6:22-23 again with all of this in mind.
Jesus makes it clear that our viewing choices may lead us to mistake darkness for light as our minds and hearts are shaped by the images and words on which our eyes dwell. And although Jesus is speaking to first century people in this passage, he seems to be putting his finger right on the pulse of our current consumer-driven, social media-soaked culture with its influencer-determined values and powerfully persuasive algorithms.
The things we choose to view may not be bad in and of themselves, but if we continuously and thoughtlessly view them without the lens of Jesus and his Kingdom values, they can slowly take us captive and leave us deeply deceived.
Jesus calls us to be clear-eyed and clear-minded about what we view. He does not call us to put on blinders and turn our backs on the world, but he does call us to be a transformational influence on the world around us through his power.
As you end this time of meditation, get quiet and simply listen to Jesus remembering that true freedom is found in him alone.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today?
How do you intend to respond to Jesus today?
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