Be Complete :: Tools :: Perception
Earlier, we discussed the problem of being a hearer only. Let’s expand on this idea to include sight.
Throughout the Old Testament, the people of Israel struggled with idolatry. They practiced monotheism, which was conspicuous in a world dominated by pagans. It was easy to look across the border and think others had it better. Even though the grass was not greener on the other side, this mentality led to dissatisfaction.
Paganism allows a form of tolerance. For example, the Moabites worshipped different gods than the Edomites, but neither thought the other was wrong per se. They might fight over whose gods were better, but they didn’t think the other’s gods were fiction.
The Israelites knew the one, true God, and that pagan gods weren’t real. This meant their neighbors just didn’t believe differently, but they were wrong. Unsurprisingly, this was construed as offensive.
From a modern perspective, worshipping idols sounds silly, but harmless. Who is hurt if someone prays to a statue?
Well … pagan cults generally lacked a moral component. Ba‘al didn’t care if you were kind to your neighbor, or if you killed someone in anger. You were “free” to do whatever seemed right in your own eyes. Unfortunately, so was everyone else.
Pagan rituals were attempts to manipulate and appease capricious deities. Canaanite cults, in particular, embraced many grotesque practices, such as the human sacrifice of children by fire.
Although there were times when the Israelites rejected God and openly embraced idolatry, their dabbling usually included adapting pagan practices. They devised contradictory hybrids of Judaism and paganism. They would worship statues but claim that it was a statue of God. They would pray to God but do so using pagan rituals. Outwardly, they appeared to be obedient, but they were really doing their own thing.
God repeatedly sent prophets to warn and guide the people. It rarely went well. With few exceptions, His prophets were ignored and mistreated. They faced open hostility and persecution, even martyrdom.
This phenomenon is described often in the prophetic books of Scripture. The people had convinced themselves that they had retained enough of the Law to “cover their bases” with God, while worshiping other gods too.
“The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to Me?” says the Lord. “… stop bringing meaningless offerings! … Your hands are full of blood! … Take your evil deeds out of My sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. ~ Isaiah 1:10-17
Isaiah was one prophet who ministered to a people whose behavior was full of contradiction. In their “smorgasbord religion” the needy were neglected. The less fortunate became the much less fortunate.
He said, “Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes …” ~ Isaiah 6:9-10
Their willful disobedience made them less compassionate, which led to calloused hearts, dull ears and closed eyes. Their compromises damaged their ability to accurately assess their world. They failed to help the needy because they failed to recognize them. Eventually, they became active, intentional oppressors.
Perceptiveness (the ability to comprehend when you see) is essential to the practice of mercy. In some contexts, this ability is called wisdom.
It is impossible to intentionally help someone in need if you don’t see them as in need. To grow in mercy requires learning to assess neediness more accurately.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness[8] that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. ~ Philippians 1:9-11
As we apply what we learn, we gain clearer vision and can pursue righteousness more effectively. In addition to loving others more fully, we will be able to see better solutions and work towards more optimal outcomes.
Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding … then you will understand what is right[7] and just and fair – every good path. ~ Provers 2:3, 9
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