Have you ever stopped and thought about our ability to use our eye's to see? Our eyes are amazing tools...gifts to give us joy beyond our imagination.
Ok, bear with me for a few moments as I get to the scientific with facts to explain my train of thought for this blog.
Let's begin with a definition as sited from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye
Let's begin with a definition as sited from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye
"Eyes are organs that detect light, and convert it to electro-chemical impulses in neurons. The simplest photoreceptorsin conscious vision connect light to movement. In higher organisms the eye is a complex optical system which collects light from the surrounding environment; regulates its intensity through a diaphragm; focuses it through an adjustable assembly of lenses to form an image; converts this image into a set of electrical signals; and transmits these signals to the brain, through complex neural pathways that connect the eye, via the optic nerve, to the visual cortex and other areas of the brain. Eyes with resolving power have come in ten fundamentally different forms, and 96% of animal species possess a complex optical system.[1] Image-resolving eyes are present in molluscs, chordates and arthropods.[2]
The simplest "eyes", such as those in microorganisms, do nothing but detect whether the surroundings are light or dark, which is sufficient for the entrainment of circadian rhythms. From more complex eyes, retinal photosensitive ganglion cells send signals along the retinohypothalamic tract to the suprachiasmatic nuclei to effect circadian adjustment."
Therefore, as you read above, our eyes detect "light". In absolute darkness, there can be no sight. If we lived in complete darkness, no color… we would be blind.
"The human eye is an organ which reacts to light for several purposes.
As a conscious sense organ, the eye allows vision. Rod and cone cells in the retina allow conscious light perception and vision including color differentiation and the perception of depth. The human eye can distinguish about 10 million colors.[1]
"In common with the eyes of other mammals, the human eye's non-image-forming photosensitive ganglion cells in the retina receive the light signals which affect adjustment of the size of the pupil, regulation and suppression of the hormone melatonin and entrainment of the body clock."
As you read the above facts, it is clear that "light" not only allows us to visually see, but it also allows us to see in color. Thus, it is fair to say, without "light”, we couldn't see in color, the fact is we couldn't even see details at all. There would be no color...all would be black and dark. Did you realize we would not see shadows if there was not even a slightest ray of light.
Okay now, is this just our perception or is it fact? Did you know we do have visual perception? Notice how visual perception depends on light.
"Visual perception is the ability to interpret information and surroundings from the effects of visible light reaching the eye. The resulting perception is also known as eyesight, sight, or vision (adjectival form: visual, optical, or ocular). The various physiological components involved in vision are referred to collectively as the visual system, and are the focus of much research in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and molecular biology."
"The visual system is the part of the central nervous system which enables organisms to process visual detail, as well as enabling several non-image forming photo response functions. It interprets information from visible light to build a representation of the surrounding world. The visual system accomplishes a number of complex tasks, including the reception of light and the formation of monocular representations; the construction of a binocular perception from a pair of two dimensional projections; the identification and categorization of visual objects; assessing distances to and between objects; and guiding body movements in relation to visual objects. The psychological manifestation of visual information is known as visual perception, a lack of which is called blindness. Non-image forming visual functions, independent of visual perception, includes the pupillary light reflex (PLR) and circadian photoentrainment."
WOW! Our eyes and their visual capabilities are amazing...such a complex amazing gift to us. Thus, without "light" they would be little use to us.
"Light or visible light is the portion of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye, responsible for the sense of sight. Visible light has a wavelength in a range from about 380 or 400 nanometres to about 760 or 780 nm,[1] with a frequency range of about 405 THz to 790 THz. In physics, the term light often comprises the adjacent radiation regions of infrared (at lower frequencies) and ultraviolet (at higher), not visible to the human eye.[2][3]" ****http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light
However, not ALL light is visible to the human eye even though without those hidden wavelengths combined with the others seeing color would be impossible. Can you wrap your mind around this concept? Take a moment and let that sink in...Stand in awe of this wondrous gift God has given us!
Okay, now think about this fact, God says He is light and in Him, there is no darkness at all.
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
1 John 1:4-6
"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."
1 Corinthians 4:4-6
"Who is among you that fears the LORD that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God."
Isaiah 50:9-11
"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."
1 Corinthians 4:4-6
So God uses "light" in a sense, so we can see and compare "good" and "evil". So we can truly perceive what is "light". It shows us that when we are "in Him" we can see all that is in the "light" (good/truth) and helps us to concern what is "darkness" (bad/evil). The last verse tells us the light exposes the motives of the heart. It allows us to "see" in a different way. It allows us to have "spiritual sight" and wisdom, relating to the matters of the heart. Amazing! We have two kinds of sight!
WOW! How amazing is that? Therefore, when we speak of light and darkness we are not always talking about the physical aspect that we see with our eyes.
O.K. let us take it a step future and look at the parts of the eye as well as the issues surrounding vision. As you know, there are things the evil one will use and has used to trip us up in our walk of sight as well as in our spiritual walk. God has made us with abilities so awesome that is it worth really looking at how wonderfully we have been created. Again, please bear with me through these scientific facts.
NOTE: First, please allow me to say, THANKS to: http://www.terrybondsod.com/eye-health/eye-anatomy.html for the information and diagrams.
Okay, now think about this fact, God says He is light and in Him, there is no darkness at all.
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
1 John 1:4-6
"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."
1 Corinthians 4:4-6
"Who is among you that fears the LORD that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God."
Isaiah 50:9-11
"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."
1 Corinthians 4:4-6
So God uses "light" in a sense, so we can see and compare "good" and "evil". So we can truly perceive what is "light". It shows us that when we are "in Him" we can see all that is in the "light" (good/truth) and helps us to concern what is "darkness" (bad/evil). The last verse tells us the light exposes the motives of the heart. It allows us to "see" in a different way. It allows us to have "spiritual sight" and wisdom, relating to the matters of the heart. Amazing! We have two kinds of sight!
WOW! How amazing is that? Therefore, when we speak of light and darkness we are not always talking about the physical aspect that we see with our eyes.
O.K. let us take it a step future and look at the parts of the eye as well as the issues surrounding vision. As you know, there are things the evil one will use and has used to trip us up in our walk of sight as well as in our spiritual walk. God has made us with abilities so awesome that is it worth really looking at how wonderfully we have been created. Again, please bear with me through these scientific facts.
NOTE: First, please allow me to say, THANKS to: http://www.terrybondsod.com/eye-health/eye-anatomy.html for the information and diagrams.
In high school biology we studied the anatomy of the eye. If you do not recall what you learned, here is something to help refresh your mind. You can call it your refresher course without the pop quiz afterwards!
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I know, all this is so scientific but I just want you to "see" how amazingly our God has made our eyes. Such a small organ with such incredible capabilities! If something goes wrong with any part of the eye our vision is then in fact impaired. So let us briefly look at our eye health and the list of ways our eyes can fail.
THANKS to: Eye Health as sited on: http://www.theeyeinstitute.com.au/eye-health-a-z
as found under: Eye Health A-Z
In this section, you can find information on a variety of eye conditions, and about how the eye works. Scroll down to find the condition you'd like to know more about.
Anophthalmos - Loss of one eye | It is very rare to be born with an eye missing, but an eye can be lost at any time in life due to trauma, infection or disease. Click the following link to read more on Anophthalmos - Loss of one eye |
Astigmatism | Astigmatism means that the front of the eye is not entirely spherical like a soccer ball, but shaped more like a football, (ie. it is not equally curved in all places). This means that the rays of light are bent unequally, therefore giving a distorted or blurred image at all distances. In order to learn more about Astigmatism, follow the link. |
Blepharitis | Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids. Symptoms include irritation, itching, and occasionally a red eye. Follow the link Blepharitis to learn more. |
Blocked Tear Ducts | Up to 20 percent of babies have blockages of one or both tear ducts when they are born, causing watery eyes and sometimes eye infections. The condition may be cured by daily massaging of the side of the nose, which increases the fluid pressure and forces the tear duct to open. Learn more about Blocked Tear Ducts by following the link. |
Cataracts | If you have been diagnosed as having a cataract, there is no need to worry. Cataracts are not unusual. They frequently occur as part of the eye's ageing process. However, with cataracts it is possible to turn back the clock. Click the link to learn more about Cataracts. |
Conjunctivitis | Conjunctivitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the conjunctiva. In ordinary terms, conjunctivitis is simply the most common cause of red or "pink" eye. Learn more about Conjunctivitis by clicking the link. |
Corneal Abrasions and Erosions | A corneal abrasion is an injury to the epithelium. Abrasions are painful. Common causes of corneal abrasions include problems from contact lenses, fingernails, paper cuts, tree or bush limbs or rubbing of the eye. Click the link to learn more about Corneal Abrasions and Erosions. |
Cystoid Macula Oedema | Cystoid macula oedema, commonly called CME, is a painless disorder which affects the retina, the light-sensitive inner lining of the eye. When this condition is present, clear fluid fills multiple cyst-like (cystoid) formations in the macula, the portion of the retina responsible for central or "straight ahead" vision. By clicking the link Cystoid Macula Oedema, you can learn more. |
Droopy Eyelids | Your eyes, framed by their lids and brows, may well be the first thing people notice about your face. Over time, the eyelids and even the eyebrows can become 'droopy' or 'baggy' as the skin stretches, muscles weaken and fat pockets bulge. Learn more about Droopy Eyelids by clicking the link. |
Eyelid Skin Cancer | Skin cancer can occur on the skin of the eyelid or area surrounding the eye. Usually, the cancers appear as painless elevations or nodules. To read more about Eyelid Skin Cancer, click the link. |
Glaucoma | Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage your eye's optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia, affecting approximately 3% of the population.Read more about Glaucoma by clicking the link. |
Herpes Simplex of the Eye | Herpes simplex is a virus that infects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves. There are two major types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type I is the most common and is responsible for herpes simplex eye disease and the familiar "cold sore" or "fever blister". Learn more about Herpes Simplex of the Eye by clicking the link. |
Hyperopia - Long Sightedness | Hyperopia is caused by one or a combination of the following: flat cornea and short eyeball. Read more about Hyperopia and Long Sightedness by following the links. |
Injuries | Orbital trauma is a general term used to describe injuries to the bones surrounding the eye (orbit), the tissues surrounding the eye or the eye itself. To learn more about Injuries of the Eye, follow the link. |
Keratoconus | Keratoconus, sometimes called conical cornea, is a condition causing poor vision and it affects many young Australians. This condition varies from extremely mild (with little or no effect on vision) to quite severe with a marked reduction in vision. Read more about Keratoconus by following the link. |
Lagophthalmos | Lagophthalmos is inability to fully close the upper eyelid with diminished ability to blink and impairment of the tear duct pumping system. Normally each blink spreads the tear film over the eye's surface, allowing a continuous layer of moisture. Learn more about Lagophthalmos by clicking the link. |
Monovision | Reading glasses are a fact of life for most people over 45, but many people find them extremely inconvenient. If this sounds like you, you may be suitable for a form of vision correction called monovision. Learn more about Monovision by clicking the link. |
Myopia - Short Sightedness | Myopia is caused by one or a combination of the following: steep cornea, long eyeball or a powerful lens. Consequently, light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. Read more about Myopia and Short Sightedness by following the links. |
Nystagmus | Nystagmus appears as an involuntary constant movement of the eyes. The eyes appear to 'dance', 'shake' or 'jump' around. Nystagmus usually means that there is a problem with the eyes or the brain. Click the link to learn more about Nystagmus. |
Presbyopia | Presbyopia occurs in all adults approximately 45 years or older. Presbyopia is a natural ageing process of the lens inside the eye. Click the link to learn more about Presbyopia. |
Pterygium | A pterygium is a form of scar tissue with blood vessels, which grows towards the cornea, then into the cornea. It can be a source of irritation and redness, which can flare up from time to time, it can be a cosmetic problem, and occasionally it can lead to visual distortion by altering corneal shape. Learn more about Pterygium by clicking the link. |
Ptosis | Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. The lid may droop slightly or it may completely cover the pupil. The drooping eyelid can obstruct normal vision. When present at birth, ptosis is usually due to poor development of the muscle that lifts the lid. Click the link to learn more about Ptosis. |
Strabismus - Squint or Turned Eye | Normally, both eyes work together to look at the same object. The brain then fuses the two pictures into a single three-dimensional image, giving us depth perception. Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. Read more about Strabismus Squint or Turned Eye by clicking the link. |
Tumours of the Eye | Orbital tumours can occur in the bones of the eye socket, the eye ball, eye muscles, optic nerve and fat filling the spaces in between. Tumours from the surrounding sinuses, brain and nasal cavity may also invade the orbit. Orbital tumours affect people of all ages, and are usually benign. To learn more about Tumours of the Eye, follow the link. |
Also, see: http://www.online-eye-info.com/
It provides Eye Disorder Definitions and explanations too.
Okay enough of all this science of the eye stuff. Bottom line, we must take care of our eye sight so we can see clearly. Many of us, me included, must wear glasses to correct our vision. The same is true with our "spiritual eye sight". Without God and His Word, we cannot correct our "spiritual sight" and as a result, we will stumble and fall in the darkness.
The fact is, there is so much more we could learn about our eyes but I think you get the idea that our eyes our important in everyday life and we need our visual perception too. So what about people who are blind?
Blindness defined as the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or neurological factors.
Interestingly enough, approximately ten percent of those deemed legally blind, by any measure, have no vision. The rest have some vision, from light perception alone to relatively good acuity.
Yet, as a blind person practices and uses their other “senses” -it is as if they "see" their environment better than a sighted person does. They pay attention to more details around them, even though so much is missing. These skills were not attained over night. They had to practice and train their brain to "see" in a new way.
As Christians we too, must practice and learn the skill of "spiritual sight" to help guide us through life and avoid the darkness. Thanks be to God He has given us "spiritual sight" one of the ways to navigate our way through life.
As you know, a person who has visually loss their sight can no long view "color" and the objects around them. This may cause "fear", especially if they once had sight and suddenly loss it. Yet, God offers hope through our ability to "see" through His eyes. However, again this takes work and practice. God wants us to "see" and know His hope for us.
A visual person who has loss their ability to "see spiritually" and hear God's still small voice can become fearful too. Without our ability to "see" through God's eyes leads us to fear the things of this life causing us to lose hope.
However, II Timothy 1:7 says,
"God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
I John 4:18 says,
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love."
NOTE: These scriptures may look like they are contradictions to Jesus' statement here; however, they are not.
There are two kinds of fear. The American Heritage Dictionary defines fear as "a feeling of alarm or disquiet caused by the expectation of danger, pain, disaster, or the like; terror; dread; apprehension." It also defines fear as "extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.”
WOW! So there are different sorts of "fear" just as there are different kinds of sight. Okay, hold on, where am I going with all this? Bottom line, it ALL comes now to our relationship with God and placing His Word into our heart and mind in order to "see" clearly. It is in appreciating all God has given us that our eyes are opened. It is taking the time to use the ability of our human senses and our "spiritual sight" to grasp the meaning of all God has for us.
We must open our eyes and chose to see beauty in God's creation...To choose to see the good in people and in everyday situations...To choose to use the abilities God has given us to bear fruit...To be a light unto a hurting world.
We can choose to feed our mind negative judgmental thoughts and point fingers at others. Yes, we can choose to "see" others and the situations in this world through the eyes of darkness or to use our "sight" to find the blessings in life...to "see" life in full color, putting aside what the evil one has meant for harm. The scripture says,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
Matthew 7:1
"For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
Matthew 7:2
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Luke 6:36-38
He reminds us He is the one to be judge. He will work all things for our good if we love Him.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
"I said in my heart,“ God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
Ecclesiastes 3:17
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God."
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore, we must leave the judgment to God and see the world through new eyes. God has blessed us with eyes to see many things. So ask yourself, "When I look at a bum on the street do I judge him/her? So I ask myself, when I see someone different than myself (culturally, in life values, dress or with poor speak or disabilities) do I judge them?" If you are honest with yourself, as I must be, you will answer, "Yes."
I know I have viewed others with judgmental eyes in the past and at times still do. It is our human nature to look at a person through our human eyes instead of the eyes of God. Slowly, I am learning to "see" others as God's children in need of His love. God is teaching me to stop and think when I find my eyes causing me to sin through judgment. I must make the choice of how I use the gift sight. I must ask Him each day to continue teaching me to stop and pray, asking Him to give me new eyes, His heart of compassion, His vision.
I continue to ask Him to grant me wisdom to bless other people and let God's light shine forth. I want to "see" with His eyes so I may reach out and touch this hurting world. However, this is not easy and it all takes time and practice. However, as I learn and put this skill into practice, believe me; the blessings that come back are incredible! I truly want His true colors to shine through me. I desire my heart, mind and eyes to be open to see others through His eyes.
We must allow God to be the judge of others. We must ask Him to see others through His eyes. Thus, it is our choice to "see" darkness or light. We can use our ability to "see" or good or for evil. The way we choose to see others in this world in a choice. Yes, there is no doubt, there are those who harm others and do wrong to us or our families, yet God still has a heart for them. He tells us He longs for no one to be lost, but all to be saved. It is up to us whether we condemn them or become a light in the darkness so they might see the truth.
God's word tells us,
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Romans 12:2
"...that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
Ephesians 4:22-24
So it could be said, when we walk with "spiritual sight" we walk in the light of God. We renew our minds and see with new eyes. We shine forth His light into the darkness in order to allow others to "see" the goodness of God...to allow others to see and enjoy the beauty God has create for all of us.
God tells us:
“You are the light of the world A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."Matthew 5:14
Will you join with me and let your "light" shine? Will you allow others to "see" the beauty God has created? Only the light allows us to see in full color, to see all the details, so will you take the time to appreciate the gift He has given us? What are your visual issues? Do you need a new lens? Will you allow God to give you new sight? Are you willing to learn to see the world and others through His eyes?
As you take the time to think on these questions. Go to the following link and enjoy the "gift of sight" God has given us...Hold on to the fact, God is "light" in Him is no darkness at all...Think on these things and be changed...Enjoy all the beauty His created around us.
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Just%20Colors/index.htm
May His JOY tickle your heart always as you see with new eyes and dance in the light of His LOVE! Receive all the blessings He has in store for you as you learn to truly see. May His "sight" be your "sight" --Let His "light" make a way for you so you might not stumble in darkness. So now let's put on our new glasses and see the world and others clearly in vivid color...Look and see the way God intended us too! Your new lens a while for you...It is a whole new world...Let His light shine! Open wide your eyes--see with new eyes!
Be blessed! ENJOY!
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