"DO YOU HAVE EYES TO SEE?"

One of the preachers involved with the Restoration Movement was “Raccoon” John Smith. He lived in and around Wayne County, Kentucky, and left denominationalism to follow the New Testament only. He was a rugged and very strong farmer who was responsible for numerous conversions. He also established many local churches in the Commonwealth. In passing a Methodist camp meeting one September day, he stopped to watch a young Methodist preacher baptize a howling, rebellious infant by sprinkling water on the squirming body. When the service was concluded, he stepped to the front of the crowd, and, identifying himself, took the preacher firmly by the arm and attempted to lead him toward the creek a few yards away. “What are you trying to do, Brother Smith?” the young preacher protested. “Are you out of your mind?” “What am I trying to do?” John affected deep surprise. “Why, sir, I am going to baptize you by immersion into the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his commandment.” “But I have no desire for such baptism. I know of you. You are called ‘The Dipper.’ But you are not going to dip me. I’m a Methodist. Let me go!” John tightened his hold on the man’s arm while the crowd watched, some with apprehension, others with amusement. “That is a scoffer’s blasphemy of holy ordinance, “ John said sternly. “Are you a believer?” “Of course, I’m a believer,” the preacher said indignantly. ‘But I’m not willing to be immersed. It would do no good for you to baptize me against my will. It would be wrong!” “I don’t understand,” John said. “Only a few minutes ago you baptized a helpless baby against his will, although he screamed and kicked. Did you get his consent first? Come along, sir. We will have no more of this foolishness.” The crowd broke into open laughter, and John gave the young preacher a quick pull toward the creek, and then just as suddenly, he released him. 

What do your eyes see from this story? Did you notice abuse? Would you not agree that it is disgusting that a preacher would act this way? Does this advance or hinder the gospel message? Often when reading, we fail to comprehend. We don’t give enough thought or attention to what we’re reading. We read words, but we don’t learn. In so doing, we often miss seeing things that matter. May I suggest you give consideration first to this question: Which preacher were you thinking of? 

While you may have detected abuse from the story above, what abuse did your eyes “see”? What of the abuse upon the crowd? Reread the story. Do you see this abuse? While not physical, it is much more damaging than the abuse upon the baby, or upon the Methodist preacher. Can you identify the abuse upon the crowd? Do you have eyes to see? 

The phrase “eyes to see” is found often in scripture, but always has reference to understanding truths from God. It is used in reference to distinguishing the false from the true. Moses, Job, Ezekiel, and Jesus taught using parables (Deuteronomy 29.4; Job 26-28; Ezekiel 17.2; Matthew 13.13). Parables were a means whereby those who had a desire for truth could be drawn out from those who didn’t: A way of revealing who had “eyes to see.”

Again, consider an earlier question: Which preacher were you thinking of? What was the greater abuse in this incident? What do your eyes see? Spiritual discernment is a characteristic of maturity and comes as the senses are trained to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5.14). Timothy was told by Paul to discipline himself “for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4.7). Godliness “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4.8). 

How can godliness become a part of my life? It begins with accuracy in doctrine. Godliness is to be taught (1 Timothy 6.3). This teaching must be as Jesus taught. What did Jesus teach about godliness? It could be a pretense for hypocrisy and iniquity (Matthew 23.28). As such, we can wrongfully judge others (Luke 18.9). Godliness, if desired, will be rewarded (Matthew 5.6; 6.33). To prevent a pretense of godliness, there must be more than external actions. This is the link to doctrine. This is why doctrine must be from God, or as Jesus taught the twelve, and as the twelve taught others. 

Paul told Timothy that some would advocate “a different doctrine”, one that would “not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness” (1Timothy 6.3). Their motives were covered up by what they taught. They were described in 2 Timothy 3.1-5. Godliness may be real or fake. “Real” godliness is defined in scripture and must be taught, then lived (1 Timothy 6.3). It begins with a fear of God and does “what is right” (Acts 10.35). God spoke. 

Those who had “ears to hear” obeyed. That is being godly. Godliness is obedience. God is obeyed when his words are obeyed. This is God’s will (Ecclesiastes 12.13). Jesus’ doctrine is the standard for godliness. Outward behavior is not always obedient. Often it is pretense. Eyes that “see” this are eyes that discern, not just read. What is learned is then applied to daily living. Doctrine matters to those with eyes that see, for they know that perversions in doctrine will result in perverted godliness.