I have been wearing spectacles since Primary 5 to correct my near-sightedness. Without my glasses, my daily routine is hindered because I can’t see clearly. As I reflected on this, I realised that my need for glasses and my myopia can also apply to our faith. Spiritual myopia can occur. It is a condition when our external circumstances weaken our belief, progressively leading us to lose sight of God.
For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. - 2 Peter 1:9
The Greek word for shortsighted means "seeing only what is near." It is the same word from which we get the English word myopia. It represents a state of voluntarily forgetting the true nature of seeking the Christian path.
King Saul serves as an illustration of spiritual near-sightedness in the Bible. He was meant to be a changed man after receiving a blessing from God. In 1 Samuel 10:6, it is written:
Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. – 1 Samuel 10:6
King Saul initially displayed initiative and achieved military victories in chapters 10 and 11, but from chapter 13 onwards, he was declining. His actions demonstrated a series of spiritual near-sightedness:
Entering a battle without awaiting divine counsel.
Impatient and his dwindling army caused him to proceed offering without the presence of Samuel (1 Samuel 13:8-12).
Depriving His army of the necessary food.
Hunger caused his army to consume meat with blood (1 Samuel 14: 24-32).
Sparing the best spoils instead obeying God’s order.
He believed his intention to save the spoil for sacrificial offering, would please God. (1 Samuel 15:13-15).
Obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
Claiming credit for winning the battle but pushing the blame of disobedience on his people (1 Samuel 15:18-21).
From Saul’s account, I also recognise moments in my own life when I was spiritually near-sighted. For instance, I found my attendance for Wednesday Bible classes declining, albeit due to work-related reasons or fatigue. Sometimes, it was just excuses. Claiming credit for attending Sunday worship was good enough for me. I was like King Saul who thought doing the bare minimum without God’s counsel and presence in my life was enough, without realising how damaging it was.
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:25
Thankfully, a fellow brother, with a serious yet unassuming expression, gently exhorted my habitual absenteeism. His tone and words rang a bell in me, reminding me not to be a bad example. I began adjusting my schedule and made attending Wednesday lessons a priority. I may still face the same challenges occasionally; but I’ve also learnt to handle it better.
Assembling helps stronger brethren to look out for weaker, near-sighted ones. One’s faith is often challenged by the world. It is through God’s word and brethren’s exhortation that keeps one’s faith alive. Jesus Christ wants us to have the desire to learn His words.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,For they shall be filled. – Matthew 5:6
The church is made up of individuals from different walks of life. Some brethren have gone through difficult experiences, while others have faced fewer challenges. Nevertheless, they all remain enthusiastic in their faith. What keeps these brethren going? If I don’t assemble with them, I miss out on the opportunity to learn from them. Assembling helps to shape my belief in practical ways, and there is always a remnant from whom I can learn to stay faithful. To end, I leave you with this Chinese quote about humility and learning from brethren around me.
三人行，必有我师
Ask Yourself:
Who prophesied the tragic ending of King Saul?
Which verse states that consuming blood is a sin?
Reflect on a moment of your near-sightedness in faith?
Suggested Answers:
Samuel (1 Samuel 28:18-19)
Leviticus 17:14.
Discuss with close brethren of a stronger faith.