Some thoughts on the eye

The human eye is a splendid apparatus. We use it to see.

In the Bible, the eye is used to mean not just physical sight, but spiritual vision. Here are some verses that illustrate that, in various ways:

Philippians 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

And, of course, keep our eyes on Christ, our perfect example.

Acts 26:15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.

The eye is also said to lead us astray:

Deuteronomy 5:21 “‘And you shall not covet your neighbor's wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor's house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.’

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

And Jesus suggested some drastic treatment:

Matthew 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.

Surely he was speaking ironically. It isn't our eyes that cause the problem of covetousness, or addiction to pornography, or other sins. It's our brain. We need to control our thoughts. (It's a good idea also to avoid situations that might tempt us to sin, although that isn't always possible.)

Thanks for reading. Seek a clear vision of the Christ.