… may be enlightened …
Summary: Paul prays that our hearts “may be enlightened.” Understanding what he means requires that we explore the different ways we see both the visible and invisible.
Taking a picture today is simply a matter of holding up our “smart phone” and touching the button. Instantly, we have a picture of whatever the camera was pointed at. But photography was not always this simple. For those of us who have been alive for more than forty years, the changes in technology have been dazzling.
One of my prize possessions is an old wooden camera. It is “prized” because these cameras are rare these days, but also because of how well one can see the workings of the camera. I love admiring the old technology and how people used bits of wood, glass, and metal to make something that could preserve an image on paper.
Old cameras are a study in light and dark. The inside of the camera body is dark until the shutter is opened and light comes in. Once opened, what was dark inside is now enlightened. Within the light is all kinds of information in images and colors.
Our souls are a bit like that old camera. Without Christ, we are a dark place inside. Without light, we are empty, void of information and meaning. When our soul is turned to Jesus and we open the eyes of our hearts, God’s light floods in. The difference between a camera and us is that a camera captures light, and the light of Jesus captures us.
When Paul says that he prays that the eyes of our hearts might be enlightened, he wants us to do two things. First is that he wants us to “see” with our hearts. As we discussed earlier, this is different from seeing with our physical eyes or our “mind’s eye.” Second, he wants us to focus our hearts on what the Holy Spirit is giving us.
How do we do this?
Honestly, I don’t know. I think God has to do it for us.
When I was younger, I remember wondering what people meant when they talked about “following your heart.” How could someone follow their heart? I was so far into my head that at times I didn’t feel like I had a heart.
I guess I first knew I had a heart when it got broken. After that, I blundered through life and managed to break it some more. Finally, I stopped thrashing around long enough for it to start healing. Somewhere in those years, God reached out and touched me. When he did, the eyes of my heart were enlightened. I suddenly knew God was real and that somehow I was going to be okay.
I know Paul is writing to “God’s holy people.” These are people who know about God and have heard about Jesus. The church at Ephesus has people who have decided to follow Jesus with their minds and will. Paul applauds that (Ephesians 1:13). What he is asking God for is something more. He wants God’s people to know their Lord personally and to be touched by his Light (John 1: 1-18).
Application: Practice seeing with the different eyes God has given you.
Food for Thought: How does having an enlightened heart affect how we see our brothers and sisters in church?
If we have the light of Christ, we will be able to see people as He does. Everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself (Ephesians 5: 13). If we become a light and shine on others it will bear fruit of goodness , righteousness and truth which pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5: 8 – 10). And if we share the light of Christ it will reflect back on Him. Matthew 5: 14 – 16. 1 John 1: 5 – 7 reminds us that if we walk in the light then we can have true fellowship with each other. See also 1 John 2: 9 – 11.
Thank you, Rich!
Well said!! 🙂 I will put a link to your Scripture references here.
Amen to R’s comments and scripture references.
Hi JEC,
I agree. Rich is a “bright” guy. 🙂
03-12-2023, How does having an enlightened heart affect how we see our brothers and sisters in church?
An enlightened heart will see Christ in others as we are reminded, we are all works in progress. However this journey begins with allowing God to work in our hearts first.
2 Corinthians 4:6, For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
James 4:8, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I remember years ago, as I looked at others of my church, I knew why they were there, and wondering what a guy like me, with all of my problems was doing there. When I became aware of this new sight. I could see why I was there and wondered why everyone else was. I could see flaws in everyone.
One day, God told me, “I gave you this sight so you could look at yourself, not others.” Our God is so very patient with us all. I looked to myself, and saw a ton of work needed to be done. I opened my heart to God’s jack-hammer crew and they went to work.
An enlightened heart will live in obedience to our Lord. The first thing we do is listen to Him, cooperate with Him, as He does a total makeover on our heart. He must cleanse our hearts before He can fully occupy them. As we become more Christlike, we begin to see the people He gave His Life to save differently. We begin to understand we are all imperfect beings trying to serve our perfect God, and we allow Christ in us to begin loving others as they are.
Thank you, Ron.
It is an interesting journey! Your insight from the Lord about focusing on our own problems rather than others is very true. (Matthew 7:1-5)