Monday, November 2, 2009

Soul Windows

Suggested Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and
slander be put away from you.

Ephesians 4:31

Eyes are the windows to the soul. What resides in our inner depths cannot be hidden, long term. The next time you sit in an airport or wherever a large “study” of people is available look at their eyes, you may be shocked at what you see. In my own observations I’ve seen plenty of fearful eyes, bitter eyes, empty eyes, angry eyes. In between there have been those eyes whose deep pools have brought me refreshment.

Whatever we’ve set up house for in our souls, whether anger or bitterness, peace or joy, will ultimately find its way out the door of our eyes as well as our mouths. God created us as a living being with our physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions intricately connected. It is impossible to keep hidden whatever we take in on a regular basis. It’s like overeating! Eventually we don’t need the scale because the results are evident in the mirror.

Jesus was surrounded by Pharisees angry about how he was upsetting their traditions. But, he never succumbed, even to the point of his death, to the anger that lived in their souls. Paul reminds us of this truth. To be a follower of Jesus we have to evict from our souls those emotions that make our eyes and mouths distasteful.

Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and slander are present everywhere. We, however, have the message of the Kingdom! A “world” difference will come about when the Message is the only resident in our souls. Then our eyes will shine!

Thought for the Day: What do people see when they look into my eyes?

Jesus, You brought the message of the Kingdom--
bringing joy, promise, hope and love.
Help me to evict all that prevents your
Kingdom message from being seen and heard.
Amen.

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