A wicked soul craves evil—his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. Proverbs 21:10, TLV

What Lenses are we Wearing?     Okay, we have ourselves a “Blink Proverb*” in today’s verse. I hope you’ll stick with me to the end because this proverb contains some great insights.

Ever hear of the saying: She sees the world through rose-colored glasses? If you haven’t, the saying is an idiom for people who see things as better than they really are. That they might even have an unrealistically positive way to see things.

But guess what, there are actually medicinal values to rose-colored lenses. Hmm. Plus, experts say that having a positive attitude is healthy, too.

So, it stands to reason that how we “see” situations can affect our wellbeing. Therefore, lenses colored to reflect a negative side will have a negative effect. Or, in the case of this verse, the evil side. Those “lenses” reflect our attitudes and point-of-view—that default response we have that can either lead us further down that path, or alert us that our mindset needs to be addressed.

Can we as followers of Jesus view the world or people with a negative perception? Unfortunately, yes. What might that look like when we:

• Don’t forgive: When we don’t take the time to forgive, we can view someone as always having ill-intent toward us. Eventually it will make us have distrustful eyes for others.
• Are prideful: We can view others as not being as smart or insightful as us.
• Are ungrateful: We can view the world through greed or envy. We can doubt God’s goodness.

If we haven’t dealt with issues like these, how we see people and circumstances is distorted—tinted in a way that is negative. Those around us will not find “favor” in our eyes.

How do we know if we’re wearing distorted lenses? Interestingly enough, there is a pattern we develop. It may begin with an event or set of circumstances. We come away angry, hurt, disappointed. When we don’t forgive and seek to deal with what happened, distorted “lenses” form and we begin “seeing” these emotions/issues all around us.

Watch for those patterns. Seek the Lord, forgive, repent for whatever are our responsibilities, then let Him remove the “scales” from our eyes like Paul (Acts 9:18).

I like the idea of rose-colored glasses. Of seeing things in a positive, healthy, and Godly manner. How we “see” should reflect our risen Messiah. And that’s just how it should be, don’t you think?

Think More About It

What color are your lenses?

Until tomorrow, may any distorted lenses be removed, and we walk in the light, my friends.

My soul has too long dwelt
with those who hate shalom.
I am for shalom and thus I speak,
but they are for war! Psalm 120:6-7, TLV

This passage seems to capture what many feel in Israel. Today, shall we pray for respite from the continual hatred aimed toward this tiny piece of land? God bless you!

*A “blink” proverb is a proverb that on the surface, we don’t believe applies to us or is relevant for today. However, on closer reflection, there are significant insights and wisdom for us. Thanks to Dr. Raleigh Washington for coining the great analogy.