Blinded!

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 NIV

There are so many things that cause blindness--other than physiological reasons--and unfortunately, those who are blinded by the tricks of the enemy--seldom realize their predicament.

Being blinded by the enemy's distortions of truth is nothing new. All we need to do is go back to the garden to see how he blinded Eve with his distortion of truth. And he hasn't changed his MO; he's still distorting God's truth to keep people out of the will of God. The distortions--about truth--are not just used by those who are influenced by the enemy about The Word--they are used to confound and confuse about issues--prevalent in our society--to sway opinions.

We see this on a daily basis in the political arena. Some are using "smidgens" of truth and blowing that out of proportion to make themselves look better than another. Quite frankly, the more people attack others on issues that have no bearing on the competence of someone to run the country, the more disgruntled I get with the entire process. It is amazing to me how political candidates will use every possible avenue to destroy another's character when their own character leaves much to be desired.

But then--the followers of one are so blinded that they only see the truth--distorted as it is--that the candidate wants them to see. I really don't understand how some people are blinded by the lies--but I'm also not frustrated by bias against any who don't agree with. I am capable of discerning truth--aside from the efforts by those attempting to distort it. For any who are filled with Holy Spirit and are willing to heed His guidance--truth should never be distorted for us. We have "insight" that the average person may never understand, but will we use what we are given to make a stand for righteousness or will we cave to popular opinion and leave the door wide open for the nation's destruction?

I'm not promoting one candidate over another--I'm encouraging people to take off the blinders, shed the scales that keep truth distorted, and allow Holy Spirit to show all that needs to be seen. Stop allowing frustrations and personal biases to interfere with ability to see truth. Listen to the candidates--carefully--not the media or their opponents--listen to them and ask Holy Spirit to allow a glimpse of their heart. Are they truly interested in serving the needs of the people--all Americans--or do they have an agenda to serve self? These are not hard questions and the answers are easily seen--when one is not blinded by frustration, confusion and bigotry.

Remember this--a lie is a lie and there is no little lie, no black lies or white lies. God hates all liars and when we speak those things that are not true--we are liars. 

Let's stick with the facts and leave our opinions out of the equation since opinions are like other body exits--everyone has one and whether we agree or not, there is never any justification for disrespecting others for expressing their opinion about anything.