What steps can strengthen our spiritual perception and understanding of God's works? The Wake-Up Call of Mark 8:18 “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” (Mark 8:18) Jesus’ three questions expose a problem that still plagues disciples: spiritual senses can dull. Yet Scripture shows practical ways to sharpen them. Step 1: Invite the Spirit to Open Your Inner Eyes • Ephesians 1:17-18: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation… I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” • Daily, ask God for that same Spirit-given clarity. Spiritual perception begins as a gift, not a self-help project. Step 2: Actively Remember God’s Past Works • Deuteronomy 8:2 — remember forty years of wilderness leading. • Psalm 77:11 — “I will remember the works of the LORD.” Practical tip: keep a written record of answered prayers and providences; review it when doubts creep in. Step 3: Meditate on Scripture, Not Merely Read It • Joshua 1:8 — “meditate on it day and night.” • Psalm 119:18 — “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” Slow, thoughtful reading turns information into illumination. Step 4: Obey the Light You Already Have • John 7:17 — willingness to do God’s will unlocks further insight. • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Obedience keeps spiritual eyesight clear; disobedience clouds it. Step 5: Stay Alert to God’s Glory in Creation and Worship • Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God.” • Romans 1:20 — creation makes His qualities “clearly seen.” Pause outdoors, sing thoughtfully in church, and notice how every sunrise and every hymn points to Him. Step 6: Immerse Yourself in Word-Filled Fellowship • Acts 2:42 — “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.” • Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another.” Discuss Scripture with believers who stir your appetite for truth; isolation breeds dullness. Step 7: Guard Against Spiritual Dullness • Hebrews 5:11-14 warns of becoming “dull of hearing.” • Revelation 3:17-18 exposes believers who think they see yet are “blind.” Regular self-examination and humble repentance keep the heart receptive. Putting It All Together Strengthened perception grows where prayerful dependence, active remembrance, Scripture meditation, ready obedience, worshipful awareness, vibrant fellowship, and vigilant self-assessment all work together. Follow these steps, and the Lord who once asked, “Having eyes, do you not see?” will keep your spiritual sight sharp and your understanding deep. |
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