Do you see 20/20?

This past Tuesday evening was my evening bible study. In the 3rd chapter we discussed issues concerning our sight. Do I see myself as God sees me, or is my vision distorted?

There were many questions offered for us to discuss. As you know from your personal experience with study guides, they are a tool that enhances your spiritual growth, they are based on the knowledge of the author, not as the Bible, which is inspired through God. All this to say that there are, at times, some points that you may not agree with, but enjoy the option of thinking to promote not only discussion, but further "digging" into the scripture for the answers. The author feels that we don't have trouble loving ourselves and frankly that is more of the problem. That we love ourselves more than serving others. Many of us felt in the class that this is less true for the most part and examples of self-manipulation, giving of yourself as mothers, wives, sisters, friends, etc. were shared. Others shared that if we didn't love ourselves, we would not go to the doctor if we were sick, or hurting, but we do because we love ourselves. SO there was ample time to discuss this idea. It was great. In the end there is a balance needed and the "other lies" continued to show us that many of these overlapped.

There were 5 points in this lesson. First lie that is believed, what is our worth--feel inferior and worthless? Second lie, how does our culture influence our sight, or doesn't it? The third lie, you've heard the saying or possibly spoke the saying, "I can't help the way I am." Fourth lie, "I have rights!" The fifth and last lie that was dicussed was the lie about physical beauty.

You can see that we had plenty to discuss and share. This chapter hit the heart of many of us in the group. Nancy, the author writes a statement at the beginning of this workbook chapter that shows that having 20/20 vision (looking through God's point of view) is the only way we can have an acurate approach to the women we truly were created to be. "If we don't believe that God is good, loving, compassionate, and forgiving, then we won't be able to believe that He has our best in mind, that He loves us, that He understands us, and that He can forgive even our deepest, darkest sins." This statement shows us that if we follow God with all our heart and continually work on doing what is right, He will be there for us. It also shows us that though He is a patient God, He will correct us when there is a need for correction so we again don't see in a blurred vision.

Subtitles for this study were questions on accepting God's assessment, responsibility, yielding rights, lasting beauty, and surrendering our longings.

This study again showed all of us that we, no matter what stage of life we're in our spiritual walk, we are growing from this study. On a personal note, I thought I dealt with the idea of being overly concerned about what people think of me, but I still see that I'm working on that area to some degree. I also realized in this study that we all have unfulfilled longings and we will until we are with God. It makes it easier (for lack of a better term) to know that we're all in the same boat. But we also realized that we can't let those longings for fulfillment to cloud the blessings that we presently receive and continually receive through God and through those that He has allowed to be in our daily lives.

I did a great indepth study last year on the book of Romans and I came up with an acronym for a word that always "finds me" when I'm studying the scriptures. It assists with all my imperfections and allows me to see that God's Grace is sufficient as I continue to live my life for Him.

H- hold
O- on
P- past
E- earth

If I lose hope I have nothing. Are you seeing clearly? Is it time for an eye examine? The ultimate eye doctor is waiting to clean your vision, just yield to Him :-D

Have a blessed week.