Seeing Clearly: A Question of Perspective

The other day as our family was reading Matthew 6:22-23, I was trying to explain what it meant and Sophia, our 6-year old said, “I don’t get it”. We laughed and I tried to explain again. This is a difficult passage to understand. It is puzzling. Its original meaning eludes most. You may also be wondering, as Sophia did, what does it mean? I don’t get it? Why is Jesus saying this? How does this apply to my life? So let me try to explain it as simply as I can.

It has to do, Jesus says, with how we view money and its place in our lives. Sandwiched between His exhortation not to lay up treasures on earth but rather treasures in heaven and a choice between two masters, these verses are an illustration of what it means to be focused on heavenly things and pleasing God; what it means to serve God and not to false god of money. Jesus is saying that how you view money will determine how healthy your spiritual life is. The part of you that knows right and wrong, that loves God and wants to please Him, will either be helped or hindered by whether you handle money in a healthy way or you are preoccupied with it. If all you every think about is how to get more for yourself you are in trouble. If you are concerned with wanting to do something good for others you are in a better place.

Jesus is concerned with our spiritual hand/eye coordination. How we view Him, the world and other relation to both and the resulting actions built upon that understanding. Perspective is built, developed over time; is recognized clearly for what it is; and it can change for better or worse. Depends on influences. Bad company corrupts good morals. The principle holds. If you are stingy in your heart you will be so in your hands as well. If you are generous, you will not be able to hide it. The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The hands move in unison with the eye. Many today have had their perspective changed due to the changing economy, shifting fortunes have a way of rearranging our priorities. Others have had their perspective strengthened because they never trusted in their riches to begin with. Others have lost all hope.

It makes Jesus’ words so much more pointed and applicable. He speaks in 6:19-21 of 2 treasures and the greater durability of treasures in heaven – and the resulting security which leads to the development of godly character. He speaks in 6:22-23 of 2eyes, 2 ways of seeing things and the greater benefit of a life fixed on Jesus – and resulting perspective and action, which leads to the blessing of generosity; with money, the gospel, everything. Next we see Him highlight the even more basic choice between 2 masters in Matthew 6:24. May we see clearly spiritually to choose the Greater Master – and engage in the inevitable service He will inspire.