TWO SIDES TO THE COIN

There is an old saying that goes “There are two sides to every coin.”  Meanings to this expression can vary, but in general it means there are different ways of looking at something.  An example I would like us to consider is that of “blinders”.

Many times when we hear this term, we are drawn to horses having pieces of leather attached next to their eyes to narrow their focus forward so nothing is distracting them.  It’s reminiscent of what Paul told the faithful in Colosse:  “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2).  The Christian’s sight should be upon seeking the Lord and His will.  Peter reminds us of the consequences of losing focus in Matthew 14.  When he came out of the boat to walk on the water toward Jesus, initially things were fine; “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” (vs. 29-30).

However, on the other side of the coin, we sometimes put our own “blinders” up and in the process neglect to fulfill the responsibilities we have as children of God.  I’m reminded of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.  We have a man who is robbed and wounded.  Three men see the man’s plight, but only one, a Samaritan, stops to assist.  Ultimately, he was the one deemed the true neighbor and the one to imitate.  As Paul tells us in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Our focus should always be on the Lord first and foremost (Mt. 6:33), but let us not be blind to the many around us who are in need, both spiritually and physically.