Blinded by the World

“for we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Eight words that have such an impact on a life. Paul was a brilliant evangelist and his brilliance was because of his faith in Christ. As Saul, Paul tried to wipe out Christianity, much like the woke masses try. But Saul met Jesus. He met the resurrected Christ and was saved by a God he could not deny and a faith that resulted.

“For we walk by faith.” Faith in Christ is not just a belief but a source of clarity. Martyn Lloyd Jones noted that without faith, the presence of evil in the world is a mystery. It is faith that brings understanding, even to those who do not share our beliefs.1 In our faith, we find reassurance in all things. This reassurance is not just a feeling but a deep sense of security and comfort that comes from our unwavering faith in Christ.

We know that evil is necessary. It precipitated the incarnation and crucifixion and is necessary for the second coming. Walking by sight and not by faith distracts one from Christ. The world feeds sin. Sin is everywhere. We see it in advertising, marketing, and entertainment. It is present in the libraries of our schools and classrooms. It is even in our children’s shows. By walking in faith, we see evil behind all these things.

In our salvation, the Christian's view of themselves is changed. Their view of Christ, God, salvation, and life is realigned with God. The totality of life is seen in a new way. It is the Spirit who changes our view through our salvation. Paul makes it clear that we are new creatures in Christ, born again like an infant in life, relearning everything we were taught in the world.

No longer is our life in the world our focus. We realize this world is transient. The true Christian understands that this life is preparatory.  This life prepares us for eternity. The true Christian uses this life not just to prepare for eternity but to glorify God. In this glorification of God, we find our true purpose and motivation. Paul illustrated this when he wrote, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died.” (v.14)

The gospel calls for people to be reconciled to God. We are reconciled to God through our faith in Christ. This means acknowledging our sin, turning from oneself, and trusting in the finished work of Christ. We no longer live for ourselves but for Christ.

Are you walking in faith? Is your faith blinded by the world? When Lazarus was resurrected, he walked out of the tomb in grave clothes that were undoubtedly ridden with the smell of death. In his resurrected state, Lazarus stripped himself of the grave clothes and walked to Christ. Are you walking in clothes that reek of death, or are you truly resurrected through faith in Christ, born again in the Spirit? Close your eyes to the world and walk in faith in Christ.  

Grace and Peace!

1 Martyn Lloyd Jones, We walk by Faith, preached July 9, 1961.