If You Cannot See It, You Cannot Become It

“But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God, should shine in on them.”

II Corinthians 4:2-4

It is apparent in the times we are living in that there are numerous ways to see things. Not everyone sees things the same way. Also, it should be understood that the various influences that an individual is exposed to shapes how they see things. Each is responsible for his or her interpretation of those things they are exposed to as well as the conclusions they arrive at as a result of their different interpretations. From the beginning, it was evident that every man, woman, boy, and girl were responsible for choosing. No human being is exempt from this responsibility. Every choice results in consequences. There are no choices made without accountability.

The Bible reveals that there is a spiritual component to the responsibility of choice. Most people see the responsibility of choice through the lenses of their natural sight. In other words, we see things based on their influence on us. In short, this is how the culture we live in impacts our perception of reality or truth. It is evident that the culture is impacting not only the way individuals see things but also the way they interpret the things they see. The challenge that must be confronted is the fact that we don’t see everything correctly. This reality also includes the culture in which we live. In the same way that individuals think they know more than they know, the culture also assumes it is qualified to lead based on its interpretation of truth. The problem with this position is that the world sees things differently and is constantly changing its interpretation of what it sees.

The Bible does not address this challenge from the context of what one sees. The Word of God does not respond to the inconsistency of interpretation or perception but approaches this challenge from a spiritual position. In other words, the Bible reveals that there are sources of influence that are beyond what mankind sees from their limited perspective. The point is made that some things are hidden. This means that it is not natural for men and women to see everything correctly. The writer here also shares that these hidden things represent or involve shame. The writer continues that he intends to represent the truth by example and by The Word. The goal of this effort is to confront every man’s conscience in the sight of God. This implies that God is the source of truth and each person’s conscience can only comprehend this reality as a result of seeing or discerning the presence of God.

Finally, the point is made that god of this age has blinded the minds of men preventing them from being able to see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God. God has sent His Light into the world that men might be saved. Also, Christ came into the world so that men might be saved. The Bible reveals that men chose darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Every man must choose for himself what represents truth. This is important because the man remains the foundation of the family from the Father’s perspective. As a result, each man must take seriously his influence on his family and others as to how they see things. The fact remains that what you see influences your interpretation of life and what is truth to you. Thus the conclusion—your interpretation of life dictates who you will become, and who you become reveals who you are.