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March 4, 2009
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
Eye Exams, by Steve Ridgell
I had my annual eye exam today, and I had the same thought I have
every year. What would happen if I could memorize the eye chart ahead
of time? I could "read" even the smallest line and it would not matter
whether the chart was far or near. Left eye or right, it would not even
matter. No more prescriptions for glasses. No more worry about breaking
them, or losing them. All I would have to do would be to memorize the
chart.
I could recite the proper letters in the proper order. My Optometrist
would pronounce my vision to be 20/20. Learn the chart, recite it
correctly, and my worries are over. Except for one problem: I still
would not be able to see as clearly as I should. Memorizing the chart
is not the same as being able to see the chart. An eye chart is not
about knowledge, or correct answers. It is about being able to see.
Some people think about the Bible like I think about an eye chart, but
the Bible is not simply a set of facts to memorize. It is the story of
God's relationship with man. It is told with God's own words. It is a
blueprint for living. The Bible itself says that it is a "lamp to my
feet and a light for my path." God speaks to us so we can see him, know
him, and live with him.
So the problem with using the Bible as a series of facts to be learned
misses the point. You still will not see. It is one thing to know Jesus
was born in Bethlehem. It is quite another to see that God sent a Son
from heaven to live among us, to let us know him, and to provide a way
to live in his house forever.
Knowing the right answers does not always make for a right life.
The purpose of the eye chart is not just to get the answers right; it
is to help me be able to see. The purpose of the Bible is not to just
get the answers right; it is to help me see God.
If you want to talk about this, write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or
check out our blog at www.hopeforlife.org.
(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing,
retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.
Are you presently experiencing a new life? God's word says, "if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come!"
This new life is a free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If
you want to know more about this life that only Jesus can give you,
sign up for one of our Bible courses. Wherever you are in life,
whatever you've done, you can begin again.
You may also contact us at info@hopeforlife.org if you have questions
about becoming a new creation.
---------
(c) 2009 Herald of Truth Ministries
RELATED LINKS:
* Jesus and His Church
http://hopeforlife.org/resources/jesuschurch.asp
* Invited into the Family
http://hopeforlife.org/resources/invited.asp
* I Don't Have All the Answers
http://hopeforlife.org/resources/answers.asp
* Hope for Life!
http://www.hopeforlife.org
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200903/20090304_eye.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
CINDERELLA - THE LOVE OF A DADDY AND HIS PRINCESS, by Steven Curtis Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman reminds dads to enjoy the everyday moments with
their daughters. They will soon be gone.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?255
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
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