We have noted previously that vision is entirely dependent upon light. The amount of light determines the degree of ability to see clearly. It is apparent from just a superficial reading of the Word of God that “darkness” not only bespeaks of evil but also characterizes this present world system. The Word speaks of “the rulers of the darkness of this world” in Ephesians 6:12, and in John 3:19 we are told,

“That light is come into the world and men loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.”

Knowing all this to be true, how are we going to “see” or “visualize” spiritual things in this darkened world?

Literal, physical night blindness was recognized by the ancient Egyptians, according to historical accounts. They used liver, preferably raw, as a remedy. It is now understood that this defect is caused partly by insufficient Vitamin A, and that liver is a rich source of this vitamin. Army and Navy personnel who must see well at night are sometimes fed a rich diet of Vitamin A. This enables them to adapt readily to the low night illumination. Newer, more sophisticated methods are used today. It might be added here as a matter of interest that the chief purpose of the military in desiring a man to see at night is to detect the enemy and his actions. May we not draw a rich spiritual lesson from these facts? I Corinthians 1:5 states:

“That in everything you are enriched by him, in all utterance and in all knowledge.”

Spiritual vitamins come from an ample supply of the precious Word of God. Jeremiah of old exclaimed, “Thy words were found and I did eat them … ” I Peter 2:2-3 states:

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

Nothing supplies the vigorous strength necessary to observe the actions of Satan on the one hand, or to appreciate the wonders of the Lord on the other hand, as does the Word of God.

According to reports, it takes about 40 minutes to become completely dark-adapted, yet this adaptation is lost within a few minutes when one looks at brightly illuminated objects. Yes, Satan has a false glitter about his works that blinds believers in one glance. By prayerful diligent study, a child of God can come to a place of enlightenment, but a moment of yielding to the flesh can so affect his spiritual eyes until it is difficult to see the things of God clearly.

We are told that the most convenient way to keep dark-adapted while at the same time carrying on activities which require response to illuminated objects is to wear special tight fitting red goggles. The only way for the sincere believer to carry on the work of the Lord in a darkened world is to “view” everything through the crimson tide that flowed at Calvary. Let us look at things objectively through the Word, always striving to see things with the “mind of Christ.”