The Eye Of Your Soul … Open Or Closed

“… Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints …” (Ephesians 1:18, NKJV)

Both Plato and Aristotle, Greek philosophers of their day, spoke of the “eye of the soul.” The term “eye (s)” is often used in a figurative way because it is through the ability of the eyes to see … that light gets through!

You and I are enlightened by … strengthened by … encouraged by … built up by … the truths of God’s Book! By His Book, we can be flooded with light to see who we are … what we can become … and where right choices will lead in eternity! We see just how blessed we are to be “in Christ!”

In Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian brethren, he is expressing God’s desire for all of His people … to have a disposition to gain more and more godly knowledge, enabling them to grasp or lay hold of the greatness of the hope (Romans 8:29) and the inheritance that awaits the faithful (Ephesians 1:3-14).

Paul’s continual contemplation on the spiritual … his constant thoughts about the joy, beauty, and inexpressible benefits to be found in Heaven … motivated him to say, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

The takeaway is actually quite simple … yet profound:  we must not lose our sensitivity to spiritual truth! The story of the Cross and the resurrection of Christ will forever be The Greatest Story ever told!

In a time when the public reading of God’s Book is happening less and less … where opinions of men, and personal versions of a passage are being offered … there is just no better visual than the Scriptures delivered by the Spirit of God through inspired writers giving us the revelation of God!

The Book of Ephesians … a letter penned by the apostle Paul to the brethren who made up the congregation of God’s people meeting in the city of Ephesus … is in fact, a Book that should be studied by Christians frequently!

“Why” might you ask? Because this letter has more to say about the church of our Lord than any other N.T. epistle!

If there is anything that is needed more than a healthy, scriptural, God-pleasing view of the Lord’s church … in the minds of God’s people … and for the benefit of those in the world … this writer is not aware of it.

In the 21st Century, the identity … the distinctiveness … the value … of who the church actually belongs to … each of these perspectives … is becoming vague and way too similar to man-made religions! This is not a claim of superiority … or being better than others. Nor is it an assertion of looking down on others or belittling them in any way.

Our Lord made it very clear there are not many roads to heaven! He declared the following: “Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

My eyes have seen enough of this old world to know exactly where I want to go … therefore as Paul wrote, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

Is the “eye of your soul” open or closed?

Can you flood your soul with the light of God’s word?

Let me encourage you, please take the time to read these few verses in their entirety.

Bill Fairchild, Jr.

 

Ephesians 1:15-23

15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 

16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 

18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 

19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 

20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 

21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 

23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

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2 Responses to “The Eye Of Your Soul … Open Or Closed”

  1. Deb October 20, 2022 at 9:48 am # Reply

    Such a beautiful and always-needed reminder! Thank you, Bill! In my studies this morning I read Nehemiah chapter 8. What a fitting passage in light of your article! Going to His word, being reminded of His protection, provision, and faithfulness is a spiritual discipline each of us must develop. These “sacred habits” continually train us by turning us from the distractions of the world towards the living hope, the great God of our salvation, and His faithfulness! Thanks be to God for His word!

    • Bill Fairchild October 23, 2022 at 2:07 pm # Reply

      Thank you so very much Deb! It is always refreshing to learn of others in the Kingdom who realize, appreciate, and do their do-diligence in growing their faith, increasing their understanding, and striving to be more like our Lord! You are one of those kingdom workers and I genuinely appreciate that about you as well as Charlie! It is very obvious what is the most important relationship in your life… that of being closer and drawing nearer every day to Him. I like the term “sacred habits” … very appropriate! The treasures yet to be discovered in God’s Book spur me on to even deeper and longer study And as always … thanks for the encouragement and for your faith in the Lord!

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