The Worst Kind of Blindness

Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 4-5

Scripture Focus: The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 4.4)

Devotional Thought: Have you ever been in a situation, when you couldn't see because of what you saw? My friend, Dale, had that experience recently. While driving, he was suddenly 'blinded' by a downpour. He could 'see' well enough, but all he could see was the rain on his windshield! Blinded, he cautiously moved to the shoulder, only to get a little too close to the guardrail! He told me the other day, how he misses that car!

Satan works that way in our lives. Paul wrote, that the god of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers. Satan pours it on heavier than a summer downpour!

What are some of the things that Satan uses to blind unbelievers, and sometimes even believers?

· Power: We all operate under the delusion of self-sovereignty. We want to be in control, and Satan frightens us with a distorted view of God as an oppressor.

· Passion: There are some things that are dear to us, but we know are inconsistent with the Christian lifestyle. Satan reminds us of those things.

· Pride: It has become acceptable to denigrate Christians as intolerant and ignorant. Satan tells us that if we follow Christ, we will be labeled as such.

· Popularity: "I'll lose my drinking buddies!" Satan tells us that if we follow Christ, we won't have any friends.

· Parody: The world has a distorted view of what being a Christian is. Sadly, that view is promulgated by some believers - even ministers! Satan tells us we will turn into mean-spirited bigots if we follow Jesus.

In Jesus, however, we have the ability to see through the lies of Satan. Better than wipers and Rainex(R), Jesus clears our vision when we look to him.

Prayer: Lord, I know that Satan is the father of all lies. Help me to see through all the lies he tells me, and help my friends and family, who don't know you yet, to see clearly your great love and grace. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 118.1-4

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”