There is an abundance of good Bible teaching via sermons, podcasts, commentaries, devotional books, etc. In addition, many Christians are actively reading the Bible, in Bible study groups, attending seminars, classes, Bible school and even Seminary. But, for the quantity of Bible teaching that is all around us, why is it that so few people are really being radically transformed into the likeness of Christ? We hear that we need to be honest and transparent as believers, who are not afraid to share about our brokenness and struggles with sin in our life. This is true and good, but I do not think Jesus intended sin and brokenness to characterize the life a true disciple. Why are so few being transformed into the kind of person He was and is? All this Bible, but so few who live like Jesus. The problem is not with the message of Scripture, nor with its availability. As in Jesus day, the message is being proclaimed loud and clear. The real problem is in the eye of the beholder! Jesus says that if your spiritual eyes are not working, then it won't matter how much you are exposed to the Word of God - it will have no effect. In order for the Word to have the full impact of its power unleashed in our lives, we must have the good eyesight to receive the Word in ways that are life transforming. If we are not being transformed from broken sinful people, into fruitful and godly followers it is because we need spiritual Lasik surgery! We need to have our eyes fixed, so that the Light of the word can enter into the depths of our heart, and soul, and mind. We can do something to improve our eyesight by recognizing we are in fact blind - that we do not understand the truth, and we do not have things all figured out simply because we know the right answers. Instead, we need to receive the Word by responding to what we hear in ways that are life changing. This requires seeking with humility, surrender to the Authority of Scripture, and a commitment to obey the Word by doing all that Jesus taught.
