J. D. Walt, a theologian at Asbury Seminary in America, has written a blog post about ‘eyes to see and ears to hear’. I was particularly struck by his closing comments,
‘By learning to “hear” Scripture in a way that kindles sight, we will learn to “read” Scripture in a way that fosters hearing. In this way we may break free from our “I think, therefore I am” Cartesian worldview and into the “I behold, therefore I become” view of God, the world and worship.’
There is a proverb ‘You are what you eat’. It’s certainly important to think about what we look at… what we listen to… what we allow our minds and thoughts to dwell on.
Colossians 3 tells us: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
The consequences if we don’t are dangerous:
“Be careful, little eyes, what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful, little feet, where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow.
Be careful, little ears, what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful, little lips, what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray”
(Casting Crowns, ‘Slow Fade’)