For We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight

For We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7

The human mind can so easily be tricked.

Many years ago, I visited a museum of science and industry in Columbus, Ohio, where I got to see a demonstration of optical illusions. It was amazing to me that the human mind could so easily be tricked into thinking that it is seeing one thing, when, in fact, it is seeing something else entirely. If you have ever seen a “magic” show then you know what I mean.

When we close our eyes to the truth we get into trouble.

Memories of that day always get me to thinking about 2 Corinthians 5:7, in which the apostle Paul wrote, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Some have the idea that to “walk by faith” is to close one’s eyes to all evidence to the contrary and make one’s way through the world, blindly following the Lord. But, this is simply not the case. Our Lord wants us keep our eyes open to the world, for “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1ff). It is when we close our eyes to the truth that we get into trouble (Matthew 13:15).

Eyes can be deceived, but faith cannot.

We “walk by faith,” because faith is superior to sight. Our eyes can be deceived, but our faith cannot. Remember that faith in God is supposed to be based upon substantial evidence (Hebrews 11:1). Our faith ought to be sure enough that nothing can move us away from it.

Keep focused on Jesus.

When Peter walked on the Sea of Galilee, he was able to do so only when he kept his eyes focused on Jesus, and he began to sink when he looked at the storm raging around him (Matthew 14:22-33). We must keep our eyes fixed upon the One who can lead us from Earth to Heaven, if we want to make it (Hebrews 12:1-2). If we walk by sight, rather than faith, we will surely fail.