Over the past couple months I first noticed my vision was blurred, especially over distance. I have always been blessed with good vision, and I decided it was time to have my eyes checked professionally. I was diagnosed with mild astigmatism and sent to a specialist because it appeared my optic nerves were swollen and performed poorly on a peripheral vision test. After a few additional tests were done, it was discovered I have a fairly rare condition called "optic disc drusen" which is when deposits of calcium and protein collect in the optic nerve. Typically it is considered a benign condition, but it can lead to increasing peripheral vision loss and even blindness.
One site I read called it an "insidious" condition, which sounds more menacing than it is. Most often (like in my case) optic disc drusen is discovered when ruling out more dangerous conditions. The second definition of word "insidious" in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is, "having a gradual and cumulative effect: subtle; developing so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent." In the case of optic disc drusen, there is no known cure or recognised treatment. My life and my eyes are in God's hands, and I am comforted and at rest placing my soul and sight under His care.
Eye conditions are not the only conditions which are insidious. Sin is most insidious. The first definition offered in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is, "awaiting a chance to entrap: treacherous; harmful but enticing: seductive." Idolatry is one of those sins which easily pass unnoticed. Often we must have our idols stripped from us before we realise the grip they have on our lives. In Judges 17-18, a man named Micah is an example of such a one. In a day when everyone did what was right in their own eyes, Micah crafted an ephod, household idols, and even hired a Levite as a priest. He believed himself devout, and believed God would do him good for his efforts - despite the self-serving and idolatrous nature of his worship (Judges 17:13).
Such riches did not go unnoticed, and five spies from the tribe of Dan discovered the expensive treasures within Micah's house. The discussed with the Levite a promotion and a better deal, and when he agreed with the backing of 600 armed men they took Micah's idols. When Micah discovered the theft, he and some neighbours pursued the men of Dan. They questioned his motive for following them, and Micah said in Judges 18:24, "You have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and you have gone away. Now what more do I have? How can you say to me, 'What ails you?" Micah's heart and money were invested in idols made with his hands. When they were taken away from him by force, he felt the full weight of their loss. He felt bereaved of what was most important, though they were idols, mere nothings.
It occurred to me we do not often recognise our idols until they are ripped away from us. Our flesh resents being separated from what we have idolised. But idolatry is an insidious deception. Sin prowls around the door of our heart, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Micah's idols had become his life, but they prevented him from experiencing the life of faith God desired. Micah's idols became a snare for him and his family, and later became a snare for the entire tribe of Dan as their power grew. Micah reveals we may recognise our idols best in hindsight. One way we can discern what was actually an idol for us is how we would feel when it is taken from us. Idolatry starts small and in the heart, but it will not stay small for long. Like an advanced case of optic disc drusen, the field of vision slowly narrows until blindness is the result.
May the LORD wrench from our grip all idols which have a hold on us so we might serve and glorify Him alone! It is Jesus who gives sight to the blind, and He will reveal even this to those willing to heed Him.
One site I read called it an "insidious" condition, which sounds more menacing than it is. Most often (like in my case) optic disc drusen is discovered when ruling out more dangerous conditions. The second definition of word "insidious" in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is, "having a gradual and cumulative effect: subtle; developing so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent." In the case of optic disc drusen, there is no known cure or recognised treatment. My life and my eyes are in God's hands, and I am comforted and at rest placing my soul and sight under His care.
Eye conditions are not the only conditions which are insidious. Sin is most insidious. The first definition offered in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is, "awaiting a chance to entrap: treacherous; harmful but enticing: seductive." Idolatry is one of those sins which easily pass unnoticed. Often we must have our idols stripped from us before we realise the grip they have on our lives. In Judges 17-18, a man named Micah is an example of such a one. In a day when everyone did what was right in their own eyes, Micah crafted an ephod, household idols, and even hired a Levite as a priest. He believed himself devout, and believed God would do him good for his efforts - despite the self-serving and idolatrous nature of his worship (Judges 17:13).
Such riches did not go unnoticed, and five spies from the tribe of Dan discovered the expensive treasures within Micah's house. The discussed with the Levite a promotion and a better deal, and when he agreed with the backing of 600 armed men they took Micah's idols. When Micah discovered the theft, he and some neighbours pursued the men of Dan. They questioned his motive for following them, and Micah said in Judges 18:24, "You have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and you have gone away. Now what more do I have? How can you say to me, 'What ails you?" Micah's heart and money were invested in idols made with his hands. When they were taken away from him by force, he felt the full weight of their loss. He felt bereaved of what was most important, though they were idols, mere nothings.
It occurred to me we do not often recognise our idols until they are ripped away from us. Our flesh resents being separated from what we have idolised. But idolatry is an insidious deception. Sin prowls around the door of our heart, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Micah's idols had become his life, but they prevented him from experiencing the life of faith God desired. Micah's idols became a snare for him and his family, and later became a snare for the entire tribe of Dan as their power grew. Micah reveals we may recognise our idols best in hindsight. One way we can discern what was actually an idol for us is how we would feel when it is taken from us. Idolatry starts small and in the heart, but it will not stay small for long. Like an advanced case of optic disc drusen, the field of vision slowly narrows until blindness is the result.
May the LORD wrench from our grip all idols which have a hold on us so we might serve and glorify Him alone! It is Jesus who gives sight to the blind, and He will reveal even this to those willing to heed Him.
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