OBSTRUCTED VIEWS

Last April (2010), the church voted to remove the pine trees that stand on the north side of the church. This week, they were finally taken down. One of those trees stood just outside the window of my study. During the winter, it was often a beautiful sight, with all the snow on its branches. In the spring, it became home to an annoying robin that kept attacking the window, leaving a mess and making a lot of noise. But, now, the tree lies on the ground. As I look out the window, I can now see much more of the landscape. Until this week, I never considered how much that tree obstructed the view from my study. It was never frustrating (other than that pesky robin), but it is kind of nice having a better view.

I’m sure that we’ve all been frustrated, a time or two, about an obstructed view. Maybe it was a taller person who sat right in front of you at some event. Or, perhaps it’s been a tree or shrub that blocks your view at an intersection. What is your example?

Scripture gives a rather pointed example of an obstructed view, and I think that it occurs far more frequently than any of us would like to admit:

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Mat 7:3-5 ESV)

While this text deals with the hypocritical correction of another Christian, I think that there is a broader application to be gained, and this is the matter of “obstructed views.” Is there something that is obstructing the view of your spiritual landscape? Sin and bias are probably the top two offenders that keep us from seeing things as they are. Sadly, we can go for long periods of time without noticing the impact they have. Today, I encourage you to ask God to reveal any “obstructed views” to you, and take action to remove them. Then, take a good, long look at your spiritual landscape to get an accurate view. While it may be painful, I promise you that it will be rewarding and freeing.

God, grant us the eyes to see things as you see them. Amen.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker