God gave you eyes to see the world around you, but beyond that, they are doors to your ‘heart’ (your inner self, including your mind, will and emotions). This is why every time you open your eyes to look at something, you don’t just see the object alone. What you see stirs up something in your heart; it may spark a thought in your mind or trigger a feeling.
Now here is the important part. Your thoughts and feelings influence your decisions and actions, and these, in turn, shape the direction of your life. This means that something as simple as what you look at can change the course of your life.
This is why you must use your eyes wisely, especially in this digital age where we are bombarded with media and information, making it easy to get distracted, confused, or even go astray.
If you don’t use your eyes wisely, you may end up:
- Straining them physically
- Cluttering your mind with junk
- Drifting away from God
- Living outside your purpose
God has given us wisdom, and by applying the seven pillars of Sightful Living, we can use our eyes the right way.
How to Use Your Eyes Wisely
1. Learn to see the way God sees (Spiritual sight)
Looks can deceive, but God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Ask God to help you see beyond appearances. Pray, read your bible, meditate on God’s word and think about what matters most to Him. If something catches your attention but unsettles your spirit, pause and ask, “Am I seeing this the way God sees it, and does this align with what God wants me to focus on?” to focus on?”
2. Mind what you watch (Visual Purity)
Not everything that looks fun is good for your heart. Just like it is written in Psalms 101:3, make a decision not to look at things that are not helpful. Be careful with videos, shows, games, or websites that have bad language, violence, pornography or anything that glorifies sin and dishonours God, even if they are popular. Ask, “Would God want me to watch this?”
3. Don’t just scroll aimlessly. Have a purpose for using your devices (Digital Intentionality)
Your phone, tablet or computer can be helpful or harmful depending on how you use it. Do not waste your time or strain your eyes for nothing. Use your digital devices to:
- Learn something meaningful: E.g. from educative posts, blogs or videos
- Encourage someone with educative and uplifting media and information
- Grow your faith: E.g. study scriptures using bible apps, listen to messages and fellowship with others
- Relax with edifying or uplifting entertainment like good movies and music
Before you use your devices, ask, “Is what I’m about to do helpful or harmful?”
4. Take care of your eyes (Physical Vision Wellness)
Your eyes are powerful tools and gifts from God for both physical and spiritual sight. Being careless with them can lead to eyestrain and loss of focus. Be a good steward of your eyes.
- Blink often when looking at screens to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable
- Do not stare at the screen too long at a stretch. Take regular breaks in between and shut down at least an hour before bedtime.
- Protect your eyes from the screen’s light, particularly during prolonged or night use
- If your eye doctor prescribed glasses for you, use them
- If you notice problems with your eyes, do not ignore them. Consult an eye doctor
5. Live in a way that supports your eyes (Healthy Living Habits)
Your eyes are part of your body. What you eat, how you sleep, and how active you are affect your vision and focus. Practice healthy living habits that support your eye health. Eat healthy meals, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. A healthy body supports healthy eyes.
6. Surround yourself with the right people (Community)
The people you spend time with influence what you see, think and value. “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Stay connected to friends, family, and mentors who encourage godly choices and help you guard and use your eyes wisely. If you see something online that confuses or bothers you and you need clarification, seek guidance from someone who has your best interest at heart.
7. Be a light and lead by example (Leadership and Influence)
Do not just guard your own eyes; help others do the same. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Watch, post and share things that inspire others and reflect your values. When you do this, you are using your eyes wisely to lead others.
In conclusion
Your eyes are gifts from God. They are not just for seeing. They help shape what you think, how you feel, and who you become.
When you use your eyes wisely, you protect your heart, build your life on purpose, help others do the same, and make the world a brighter place, one wise look at a time.