Optics

“Which do you think is simpler: to say, 'I forgive your sins,' or, 'Get up and walk'?" (Matthew 9:5-6 MSG)

When given the choice between internal healing or external manifestation of blessing, most of us choose the latter. It is human nature to be more concerned about optics (outward appearance) than substance. When a child seems developmentally delayed, we pray for progress. We want our offspring to talk, walk, drive, finish college, be independent, get married, and have children of their own at the same age as other people’s children. Whether they are emotionally ready or not, we push them to keep up with societal standards. We imagine that they will be happier if they keep up with their peers. We fail to appreciate internal growth, wholeness, and healing. We are much more concerned about the optics than the truth.

Unlike us, Jesus is more concerned about truth than about public perception. Many of us feel paralyzed--unable to move forward from our current situations. We are disabled by our sins--disconnected from God’s power and influence. We become impatient when our prayers don’t yield tangible results. We imagine that God is negligent and uncaring. We want immediate, visible, external progress rather than internal healing and growth. However, Jesus transforms us from the inside out, taking His own sweet time, molding us according to His intentions. He restores us to wholeness from within, changing our attitudes and perspectives. Outward manifestations of these changes may happen over time. We may eventually ‘get up and walk’ in ways that are visible to the world. Yet, this is secondary, merely a side effect of what is being worked out in our hearts. God is much more concerned about spiritual growth than worldly progress.

Lord, grant us Your perspective. Help us to care less about the optics and more about the Truth.