What an undesirable condition, to be blind. We may attempt to minimize this condition by touting the by-product of heightened awareness in the other senses; however, there is no virtue to blindness, but only social dependence, constant darkness, and visual depravity. We have assumed that one cannot miss what he never had; however, even this born-blind man wanted to see.

Yes, this man was born blind and wanted sight, but what of us who have sight but seem to prefer blindness? Can you imagine having sight but acting as though you are blind: asking people to lead you around, walking and tapping a stick on the ground, utilizing a seeing-eye dog? Can you imagine not responding to that which is obvious, bumping into walls that are apparent, stumbling over things in the floor that are in plain view?

This man was born blind by no fault of his own, nor the fault of his parents, yet his blindness comes through his parents as a result of the Adamic rebellion. However, for us who have already come in contact with Christ, our blindness is not a matter of malfunctioning faculties, but of covering our eyes with fleshly obstruction. It is an issue of doubt, obstinacy, and refusal to consist with a clear view of the Savior.

Yet it is human tendency to love darkness rather than light. To thoughtlessly be led around by others: choosing the non-contentious ease of worldly conformity, giving in to the persistence of peer pressure, or the fuzzy warmth of compromise. Perhaps believing the personal accountability that the virtue of sight ultimately requires can be avoided. Sight ushers one into unquestionable realities, undeniable responsibilities, and unavoidable worldly resistance to the wonderful truths of God.

How often it is that the eyes of parishioners are opened by sermons and bible studies and that the truth of God is communicated with incontrovertible clarity? The faithfulness due our savior amid His enemies is plain. The righteous answers to those who oppose our Christ are made obvious.

We have received sight but continue to trip and stumble as though we cannot see. We have been healed by the master and yet persist in denying the realities, shucking the responsibilities, and fearing the worldly resistance that our faith fosters.

Yuri Solomon

HAVE THINE OWN WAY, LORD

1. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

2. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.

3. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

4. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

Scripture tells us that God never changes and is the same yesterday, today and forever. But sadly many, if not most, churches today are very busy trying to attract ‘seekers’ by forming or molding God into something the world would want Him to be. Excuse me, but God has always done, and will always do, the molding of the clay – not the other way around.

It seems that many people today just want to be entertained at church and not made to feel uncomfortable. Churches have responded by providing warm, fuzzy, feel-good, easy believe-ism and don’t offend types of messages. Also, sermons are developed using trendy, new fad subject materials that have virtually no mention of God’s judgment, our sinful nature, punishment for sin, repentance, the old rugged cross, end time prophecy or the clear message of salvation. Often sermons and teachings make use of watered down, paraphrased Bible versions that distort, diminish and alter the theme or context. Much of the contemporary music consists of shallow, repetitive lyrics accompanied by sounds akin to secular rock bands. Hi-tech sound and video systems are everywhere to enhance the worship ‘experience’. Many mainline churches are altering or changing their name to conceal their true identity and deceive would-be churchgoers. Christian symbols such as crosses, hymnals and even solid Bible translations are beginning to disappear from our churches. Many church expansion and marketing techniques borrowed from the so-called ‘mega’ churches seem to be the order of the day. Today it seems there’s so much of the world in the church and so much of the church in the world that, many times, it’s difficult to tell the difference. When black and white are blended together, it all becomes gray.

The list could go on, but the bottom line is that God is being brought down to the level of the world in order to fill the pews. The mentality today seems to be ‘give them what they want to hear, then they’ll come’. Sadly, when they get there, they are not likely to hear the true gospel message of salvation. In most church services, unbelievers will be there for an hour and then leave without a clue as to why they need to be saved or how to become born again. The gospel message must be clearly preached at every opportunity with the invitation given for them to invite Jesus into their heart as Savior and Lord. That is the only thing that really matters.

The clay must be placed back into the Master Potter’s hands now while there is still time. As the great hymn says, ‘Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!’ and then, ‘Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!’

During retirement, my prayer is that I might serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel through my writing. As the Lord leads, my work will inform, challenge and encourage. I also enjoy Biblical theme woodcarving, Bible studies and Christian music. Watch, pray and keep looking up!

Donald Mehl