Blind Spots

 All of us have have blind spots. Our brain fills in the picture so we don’t realize it. But the blind spots in our field of vision are very real. In medical terms, “it is the place in the visual field that corresponds to the lack of light-detecting photoreceptor cells on the optic disc of the retina where the optic nerve passes through the optic disc.”

 Here is a simple way to “see” your blind spot.  Put your thumbs together, the tips touching, with your index fingers pointed upward. This will separate your index fingers by approximately six inches. Extend your arms with your hands directly in front of you. Close your left eye. Focus with your right eye on your left finger and move your hands closer or further away.  The right finger will disappear in your blind spot. You can do the same for your left eye. If this doesn’t work, go to google or you tube and you will find plenty of help to find your blind spot.

 Several years ago, I was diagnosed with glaucoma in my left eye, something very similar to the blind spot, but bigger. About ¼ of the vision in my left eye is missing, and I didn’t know it.  With both eyes open, my right eye compensates for it.  With just my left eye open, my brain tries to fill in the gaps. But when I move my finger into the blind spot, it disappears.

 Jesus spoke about our spiritual blind spot.  We think that we can see all things clearly.  We believe that we have a full field of vision, but the truth is that we are unable to see some of the most important elements of life and reality. We are blinded by our prejudice and presumptions. We assume we have no prejudice. We assume we see all things objectively.  But do we?  

 Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5).

 Jesus often told simple stories so that we might see our spiritual blind spot and understand the important lessons of life.  Jesus said, “This is why I speak in parables: though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.”  (Matthew 13:13).

 The Apostle Paul wrote, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might,” (Ephesians 1:18-29).

Beyond Image and Impression

 As we enter the last week of mid-term elections, candidates are vying for the best image and a positive impression. And, trying to vilify their opponent.  But historically, image and impressions are often deceiving.

Abraham Lincoln was called an “ape.” His voice had a Midwestern twang. He only had one year of formal education. Edwin Stanton first met him in Cincinnati in 1855.  Lincoln had been invited to assist Stanton in an important civil case. Stanton described him as a “tall, rawly boned, ungainly back woodsman, with coarse, ill-fitting clothing, his trousers hardly reaching his ankles, holding in his hands a blue cotton umbrella with a ball on the end.” After Lincoln introduced himself and suggested, “Let’s go up in a gang,” Stanton decided to have nothing to do with him. He even refused to invite Lincoln to dine at his table.

Five years later Lincoln was elected president in 1860 with less than 40% of the popular vote. When he delivered the Gettysburg Address, few listened. The Chicago Times panned the speech stating, "The cheeks of every American must tingle with shame as he reads the silly, flat, and dishwatery utterances."

Abraham Lincoln is now regarded as perhaps our greatest president. Every year millions visit his Memorial that overlooks the mall in Washington, D.C. And the speech that the Chicago Times called "silly and flat” is memorized by most students of American history. Edwin Stanton, who later served as his Secretary of War, choked through tears when Lincoln drew his final breath and said, “Now he belongs to the ages.”

By contrast, in an open and free election on March 29, 1936, Adolf Hitler received 98.8% of the German popular vote. His spellbinding oratory and promises mesmerized an entire generation. He was proclaimed the savior of Germany. At his peak, more than a million gathered in Nuremberg each year to praise and adore him.

 But beneath those appearances lurked a sinister ego-maniac who would exterminate approximately 20 million people including Jews, the mentally ill, the infirm and the elderly. Today, Hitler’s name is synonymous with evil. References to him have been virtually erased in Germany, except for the Document Center in Nuremberg, preserved as a reminder of the nation’s darkest days.

Describing Christ 800 years before He was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote, “he has no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:2-4).

Public images and impressions are often deceiving. What truly matters, for each of us as well as our leaders, is that which is within. The Bible says, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7).

What "AI" Shall We Choose

 I have to admit I do not understand Artificial Intelligence.  I do not understand the investment of billions of dollars in massive datacenters.  What are we hoping for?  What are we trying to create? Is this a super nonhuman intelligence we seek? Kevin Warsh, the Federal Reserve Chairman, has called AI the most consequential change in his lifetime.  While he predicts AI will provide unprecedented global production, he says the path forward “will be bumpy.”  But others, those who seem to be in the know, are concerned, even alarmed.  Bill Gates warns of increased cyber-attacks, deep fakes and fraud. In an interview last May, Gates said that, left unchecked, AI could cause a billion deaths world-wide.  Testifying before a federal jury in April, Elon Musk stated that AI could wipe out humanity. What are the benefits? What are the downsides?  What are the risks?

 I am more comfortable with a different AI: “Authentic Intelligence.”  Authentic intelligence is based on truth.  It seems we are living in an age of “truth crisis.”  It is difficult to know what is true and what is false.  There was a time when we said, “Seeing is believing.”  But not anymore. Photographs, images, videos can all be altered, or created from scratch.  Artificial Intelligence makes this all the more common.  Anyone can alter images, or create them on a smart phone.

 Instead of investing billions of dollars in datacenters and Artificial Intelligence, what if we invested billions of dollars in education for the young. What if we made education affordable for everyone?  What if we focused on enabling this generation and the next to discern truth from fantasy and fiction?  “Authentic Intelligence” must be founded on that which is true. When he interrogated Jesus, Pontius Pilate asked the question we all must ask, “What is truth?” 

 There is an “AI” that is still better, “Authentic Integrity.”  This is the “AI” that Jesus advocated. Avoid hypocrisy, self-serving, deception and greed.  Be honest, truthful, kind and generous. Could we possibly raise up a generation that is passionate about “authentic integrity?”  What if this AI characterized our government, economic and corporate leaders? Regardless what happens with Artificial Intelligence or any other issue, we can practice Authentic Integrity.  Being good is not a matter of income or intelligence.  Anyone can live a life characterized by goodness.   It starts, of course, with you and me.

 Peter wrote, “ Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,  and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (2 Peter 1:5-8).

The Extra Mile

 I went shopping at Walmart.  Something I do as a part of the middle-class ritual.  Sometimes I visit other stores with fewer choices and higher prices just to avoid crowds. But Walmart has most the things I need and I don’t need to worry about what I wear. No one notices.  

 While at Walmart, I thought I would pick up a few items for my diet.  I am trying to lose weight again. Three peaches, two bags of frozen vegetables and a bag of peanuts.  I didn’t think these staples would get me through a football game, but maybe it will keep me out of trouble.

 I was clearly under the express limit of twenty items, so I went to the express check out and got in line.  I stood behind a young woman who was obviously pregnant and had a small child.  She started emptying her cart onto the counter. In all she had well over forty items, including a few cases of coke and a large sack of potatoes. She piled up the counter not once, but twice.

 I smiled and was patient.  The cashier was apologetic that she did not see the woman’s cart before she unloaded it.  Several customers behind me rolled their eyes, groaned, and asked if the girl couldn’t read.  I waited, smiled, bought my items and did not complain. “Maybe she made a mistake and got in the wrong line,” I thought.  Anyway, we ought to give a break to a young woman with a child in tow and a baby in her womb. She is trying to feed and take care of her family.  I am just trying to stay on a diet. I was feeling rather good about myself for not complaining or rolling my eyes. 

 After I got home, I started thinking.  Why didn’t I offer to help the young woman?  I could have lifted the potatoes and cases of coke. I could have helped her with her basket. Maybe I could have offered to pay for her grocery bill.  Was it enough to simply smile and not complain?  I could imagine Jesus saying, “Don’t be so smug. If I had been in your place, I would have helped the girl.” 

 “Okay, Lord,” I said.  “I am listening.” But sometimes ‘going the second mile’ is hard to do.  Not so much because I don’t want to do it, but because I simply miss the opportunities.”

 Jesus gave us the concept of “going the extra mile” in his Sermon on the Mount.  “Whoever compels you to go with him one mile, go with him two,” (Matthew 5:41). He also gave us an example of “going the extra mile” when he told us the story of the Good Samaritan, (Luke 10:30-37).   

 Every day we have opportunities to “go the extra mile.” To do something unexpectedly nice for someone.  They occur when we are going about our daily lives, at work, at school, shopping, wherever we go, whatever we do. We just need to stop thinking about ourselves and think about others. We just need to open our eyes and see others the way Jesus sees them.  Little acts of kindness can change the world.

Persecuted

 From the beginning, Christians have faced persecution.  Jesus predicted it.  “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well,” (John 15:20).  Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,  Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you,” (Matthew 5:10-12). 

 According to church tradition, all of the disciples died a martyr’s death except John, who suffered torture and exile. Paul, who persecuted Christians before his conversion, later listed the things he suffered for his faith: “beaten times without number, often in danger of death.  Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned,” (I Corinthians 11:23-25).

 Most of us have not suffered persecution for our faith. Americans have benefited from the protection of the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …”  This does not mean that all Christians are immune to rejection. In our increasingly secular society faith in Christ can be a liability. A pastor who recently resigned his church discovered that including “pastor” on his resume automatically removed him from consideration for numerous positions.

 According to the most recent statistics, the level of persecution against Christians world-wide is growing.  Global Christian Relief reports that 388 million believers face high levels of persecution globally.  15 countries now rank at extreme persecution levels. Nigeria remains the deadliest country in the world for Christians. Archbishop Balestrero, speaking to the UN on behalf of the Catholic Church stated that at least 5,000 Christians are killed for their faith every year, more than 13 persons per day. 

 The archbishop went on to denounce other forms of persecution that are “more subtle and often silent forms of persecution,” such as gradual marginalization or exclusion from social and professional life “even in traditionally Christian lands.”

 Knox Thames is an international leader in the area of religious freedom and persecution.  He served over 20 years as a State Department special envoy for religious minorities in the Middle East and South/Central Asia under both the Obama and Trump administrations.  He is currently Executive Director of the Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University. His recent book, Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom was published by the University of Notre Dame Press.  It is available on Amazon.

 Thames said, “People of faith face violence and persecution on account of their beliefs every day. … “Repression on account of faith is the most personal of human rights abuses, as targeted individuals, both women and men, pay a heavy price for what they believe.”

 May the Lord give us courage to stand with fellow believers who pay the ultimate price for their faith in Christ.  May we be bold in proclaiming the truth of the gospel. May we be like those early believers who went on their way “rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name,” (Acts 5:41).

This is the 8th Reflection in a series on the Beatitudes. Order Bill Tinsley's book, We Beheld His Glory FREE on Amazon eBook, October 6-9.  

Peacemakers

 Our world is desperate for peace.  The media is filled with war and violence, not just Ukraine and Iran but Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan and Somalia, among others.  Organized crime, cartels, terrorists are widespread and global.  Conflict and violence invade our governments, corporations, schools and our homes. Where are the peacemakers? Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”

 The peace of which Jesus speaks is not a standoff between adversaries who have stopped fighting but continue to watch one another with suspicion.  This peace is comfortable, built upon trust and understanding.  It is the kind of peace God wants to have with you.  It is the kind of peace God desires for all people in every generation. The angels included it in their announcement when Jesus was born: “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

 We may not be able to make a personal impact in wars on the world stage, but each of us can be peacemakers where we live, in our communities, businesses, schools and homes.

 Are you a peacemaker?  Do you repeat innuendos and accusations that sow seeds of suspicion and distrust?  Do you side with people when they criticize someone else?  Do you bolster their resentments?

 Or do you hold your tongue? Do you keep confidential and questionable information that might prove detrimental and damaging to someone else?  Do you help others toward a more objective view?  Do you help them see the good in others?  Do you build bridges of trust and understanding?

 Jesus gave us the key to establishing peace in his Sermon on the Mount: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven. … For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?” (Matthw 5:44-47). 

 Every person is in need of a deeper peace than peace among men.  We all need to discover and experience peace with God.  In 1954 during its London Crusade, the Billy Graham organization developed a pamphlet entitled, “Steps To Peace With God.”  It has helped millions discover a life-changing relationship with God.

 The first step is to know God loves you and has a purpose for your life. The second is to recognize that we are separated from God because of our sin.  In spite of our efforts at good works, philosophy and religion, we cannot bridge this gap with God.  The third step is to know that God has bridged this gap to us by sending His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins on the Cross.  He offers us forgiveness and eternal life.  The fourth step is to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior by faith.  “As many as received Him,” the Bible says, “to them He gave the authority to become the children of God;” (John 1:12).

 If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you can become a peacemaker by sharing this simple message with family and friends.

This is the 7th in a series on the Beatitudes. 

Pure In Heart

 In a corrupt world, can there possibly be people who are pure in heart?  Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked:  Who can know it?”  Only Jesus was perfectly pure in heart.   Only Jesus was able to see God. “No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.”  (John 1:18). 

 But Jesus was not speaking about himself when He gave us the beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).  He was speaking to us.  We are all sinners. The one sin that upset him the most was hypocrisy.  He would not tolerate people who lived a pretentious life.  Instead, he exalted authenticity and integrity. If we cannot be sinless, we can have authentic integrity.

 This may be what Jesus had in mind when he met Nathaniel and said, “behold an Israelite in whom there is no guile.”  It was one of the greatest complements Jesus ever paid any of his followers.  Nathaniel was true and authentic.  What you saw was what you got.  His secret conduct was the same as his conduct in public.   Speaking to Nathaniel, Jesus promised, “You shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

 A pure heart must be a heart filled with love.  Love’s definition in 1 Corinthians 13 gives us insight into what a pure heart looks like. “Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails,” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

 Ultimately, a pure heart only comes from God. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh,” (Ezekiel 36:26).  Overcome with his sin and guilt, David cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,” (Psalm 51:10).

 God has made provision for us that we can have a pure heart through faith in His Son, Jesus. John wrote, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure,” (1 John 3:2-3).

 If you want to see God, be authentic in your faith.  Confess your sins. Let Him purify your heart.