“The eye is the lamp of the body; so, if your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts].” – Matthew 6:22, AMP

In early 2018, I realized that I was struggling to read small text. How would I survive without reading?

A friend recommended an eye specialist for a proper checkup. 

After a 15-minute session of tests, the ophthalmologist recommended a set of glasses, which cost just UGX200,000.

I was extremely happy with the results.

The Greek word that Jesus used for ‘eye’ in our meditation verse today is ophthalmos.

It is from this word that we got the English word ‘ophthalmologist’ – a medical doctor specializing in eye care.

‘Sound/healthy eye’ was a common idiom in ancient Israel, meaning a person’s focus, attitude or perspective or perception.

Our Lord is using a powerful metaphor to teach that what we focus on and value—our inner “eye” or spiritual vision—determines the moral clarity we portray through our lives.

A ‘sound eye’ provides light for the entire ‘body,’ – our thoughts, actions, and character.

Just like as a light bulb illuminates the room, so we don’t knock things as we grope around in the dark.

In the context of the ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ Jesus’ use of the eye is directly related to the issue of wealth and treasures.

An appropriate focus perceives God as the ultimate treasure, hence helping us to lead to a life of generosity to others and general positive living.

It’s a life filled with clarity and purpose because the priorities are aligned with God’s.

In contrast, one with a “bad eye” is one that is covetous, greedy, and whose focus is only on his earthly treasures.

But by consistently focusing on cultivating a generous and God-centered life, we allow spiritual light to fill our life, guiding our actions and shaping our character and enriching our lives for eternity.

Everything is all about self-interest and materialism. “How will I benefit from this?” She keeps on wondering.

As a result, his entire life is full of confusion and uncertainty because of his endless yet vain selfish pursuits.

Make no mistake; how we view and use our material possessions is a direct reflection of our spiritual health.

If we allow a situation whereby our focus is corrupted by greed, materialism, or other worldly concerns, our entire life will be consumed by spiritual darkness and moral confusion.

In essence, our world view – and the resultant mental state – is shaped and influenced by what our eyes and minds focus on.

1 John 2:16 warns; “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father, but from the world.”

In Ephesians 1:18, the apostle prayed to God that; “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.”

That is why Colossians 3:2 admonishes us to; “Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]” (AMP).

May we focus our eye and mind on spiritual and eternal matters, rather than being consumed by what consumes those who don’t acknowledge God.

It’s a call to prioritize heavenly perspectives and live according to God’s principles – as the only way we can remain grounded and illuminated.

May we never let materialistic and worldly concerns to cloud our spiritual vision and world view.

Instead, may we yearn for a clear, generous, God-centered perspective, which would bring spiritual health and moral stability to your whole being.

Of course, it’s easier said and more so in our contemporary world that never stops tossing flashy materialism – the so-called ‘the good life’ before our eyes.

But by consistently focusing on cultivating a generous and God-centered life, we allow spiritual light to fill our life, guiding our actions and shaping our character and enriching our lives for eternity.