DO YOU HAVE SUNSHINE IN YOUR SOUL OR DEEP SPIRITUAL DARKNESS ?

[Alex The Hawk]

Do You Have Sunshine In Your Soul Or Deep Spiritual Darkness?

"If your eye is pure, there will be sunshine in your soul. But if your eye is clouded with evil thoughts and desires, you are in deep spiritual darkness. An oh, how deep that darkness can be!" - Matthew 6:22-23 (The Living Bible)

Matthew 6:22-23 - in the King James Version - says - "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"

Here we find such terminology as - "light of the body," "eye be single," "whole body full of light," "eye be evil," "whole body...full of darkness," "light ...be darkness," and "great...darkness."

What does it all mean?

In the physical body, the eye regulates the motion of the body. If it is healthy, it will concentrate on a particular object and direct the body accordingly. The way will be clear and plain. However, if the eye is diseased or defective, it will vacillate or struggle to focus on a single object - causing a blurriness and uncertainty of step.

In these verses of Scripture, the Lord Jesus was referring to the "eye" as being the heart, understanding, or aims and intentions of one's life. Hence, they act as a lamp or a candle to the soul - leading it in one of two directions.

If the "eye" - heart, understanding, or aims and intentions - be "single" - directed on the right thing; that is, heavenly things - then the conduct is right...the heart is free and bountiful...the will is exercised in making true and right judgment calls...the affections and actions are rightly guided...and the life is full of good works.

On the other hand, if the "eye" - heart, understanding, or aims and intentions - be "evil" - directed on earthly goods - then the heart is hardened...the life is full of envy and covetousness...the conversation is full of griping and grudging...the affections are corrupt, worldly, or impure...the aim is toward Self-gratification and the things of this world...and the lifestyle is perverse.

How do we know when the "eye" is right or "single"?

When the entire focus of the life - the soul, affections, and conduct - is fixed on spiritual matters.

How do we know when the "eye" is "evil"?

When the entire focus of the life is fixed on attending to earthly matters.

O Saint of God - what fills you today - "light" or "darkness"?

To what end is your "eye" - heart, understanding, or aims and intentions - directed?
What spiritual mark are you shooting at?
What goal lies ahead of you - heaven or this world?
Are you moving toward God or away from Him?

Are you -
...focusing on the glory of God or attaining your own glory?
...seeking His favor or the "praises of men"?
...living solely for Him or yourself?
...striving to please Him or men?

Once again, we ask - what fills you today - "light" or "darkness"?

Besides having a clear focus on spiritual things, there are other characteristics which depict a child of God who has a "single" "eye" and whose body is "full of light." They are as follows -

1. Comes Gladly To The Light

John 3:21 says - "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

This believer acts in accordance with the Truth of God's Word...holds fast his integrity...and openly identifies with the light - showing to all that his works have the will of God for theiir rule and the glory of God for their end. He loves the Truth, seeks it wholeheartedly, yields his mind to it, and welcomes its scrutiny of his life.

2. Walks In The Light

1 John 1:7 says - "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."

This man was given the choice - to walk in the light or in darkness. He choice to live a life of holiness and purity - "walking in light" - rather than live in sin and immoral pleasure - "walking in darkness." He embraced the Truth and stood in opposition to the paganism and idolatry of his time. From his constant fellowship with the Lord, he continually derived power and life to live free from sin.

3. Walks In The Day

John 11:9 says -"Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world."

To "walk in the day" is to walk in the light of the Father's will - taking advantage of every opportunity that comes one's way. This disciple does not walk in the darkness of self-will, separation from God, or according to the maxims of this dark world. Rather, he walks in the Spirit - keeping close to his duty... setting the will of God before his eyes as his only rule...and regarding His glory as his end.

Once again, we ask - what fills you today - "light" or "darkness"?

Since the eye regulates the motion of the body, then in what direction is your spiritual "eye" taking you?
It all depends on where your "eyes" are focused - on heaven or this world...whether you are aiming at the glory of God or striving for the applause of men...or seeking the things of Christ or your own things.

You can be filled with "sunshine" or "deep spiritual darkness."

Which do you choose?

May God Bless His Word.
Amen-Shalom

[Tazman]

Alex speaking strictly from my own experience, as I have gone through my life I have shifted from the light to the darkness many times. I, in my youth spent a great deal of time in the darkness with an occasional walk in the light, as I have grown older and closer to Christ I spend far less time walking in the darkness and far more time wlking in the light. As you mentioned in regards to the heart, with age and drawing closer to Christ I have seen my heart grow greatly, I still on occasion do walk in the darkness, but I recognize it quicker, beg forgiveness and return to the light.

[The Rev]

Great post Bro. Alex..
I've notice one thing in my walk with Him. If we stay focused on Him, we do stay in the light.
We are only in darkness when we take our eyes off Him,(that is our choice) He never takes our eyes off us.
I must admit I lost the joy of my salvation last week for several days. Feeling that seperation from Him was terrible. But my joy if full thankstoHis grace, and my brothers on this site for praying for me.

[Rebel Hog]

Yes Bros. Taz and bro.Rev., that's why I have the wooden cross and
wear the cross around my neck. It keeps me from staying from the
rightious path!