As we prepare for the coming solar eclipse, we’re being warned not to focus directly on it.  If we do, we’re allowing for damage to the retina and possible blindness.  I wonder if it would make any difference to our spiritual blindness, if we were to simply not look at all the ugliness around us – to put on blinders, so to speak – to shield our eyes from the state of the world.

Our planet is full of so much hatred – so many opposing beliefs – so much anger and division – so much sin.  The truth that we are all sinners has somehow become blurred.  We don’t want to hear that we’re imperfect, but the truth is, we have all fallen short of the glory of God.  Sin is an ugly word.  It isn’t politically correct.

Many folks think that if they lead a good life and help others or do good deeds, they have paid the price for their own salvation.  The thought that they might need help in that area doesn’t enter the picture.  We’re taught to be self-sufficient and independent.  We might learn that positive thinking is the answer.  We sometimes turn down a different path in search of something that will clear our minds and take away the madness that surrounds us.

What we really need is a Savior – a Redeemer – Jesus.  Without His perfect sacrifice, we are nothing but dark, deeply disturbed, perverted and separated from God.  With Him, the path for eternity has been opened for us.  We cannot work our way into heaven – only Jesus could do that.  First we need to recognize that we need Him.

In times like these, I wonder just how long our God will be patient.  As each day fills with bad news, illness, financial needs, hatred, war, abuse and division, we seem to be falling further and further away from Him.  These are the times when we must learn to depend totally on the One who came for the express purpose of saving us from the results of sin – eternal death in hell.

It’s time to turn back to God.  He has already provided the way to heaven.  He can certainly change the direction of the evil that is infecting our world today.  It’s time to stop looking for the fault in others, when a giant plank is lodged in our own eyes.  It’s time to remove the plank.