Presbyopia

Ever heard of presbyopia? Many reading this have this condition even if you are still uncertain of what it is. Presbyopia is the eye’s loss of ability to see objects up close. You experience it, for example, when you try to read small print. This condition typically starts happening to most adults around age 45. You notice it when you begin to have to hold small print items at arm’s length to read. The only way the condition is corrected is by getting a pair of reading glasses or prescription eyeglasses. 

Consider a parallel to the average Christian. Sadly, as we ‘age’ in Christ, we tend to lose our ability to focus on and see the needs of others that we are up close to everyday.  We start to hold others at a distance. We get too busy to notice and lack a desire to get involved. This condition does not just improve automatically. Our vision must be corrected. We need to see others through His eyes. 

For most of us, I do not think this comes from a sudden touch from the Lord that radically alters our world view. Rather, it is a progressive correction as we ask the Lord daily to help us see people differently. Gradually, our vision improves. The interruption gradually comes to be seen as a divine appointment. The delay has a purpose. The change of seats on the airplane is not a computer failure but a move of God. The testy, difficult person you are now assigned to work with is your ‘mission field.’ Do you see this? Think about it. Maybe it would help to listen to this song as you do.