“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…” — Ephesians 1:18
Living out our Christian faith is not only about the words we speak. It is also about the way we see, the way we love, the way we treat people, and the way we care for what God has placed in our hands.
Sometimes we say the right things, but our actions do not always show the heart of Christ. We may talk about love, but ignore people who need kindness. We may say God created the earth, but fail to care for His creation. We may speak about faith, but still try to control others or take more than we should.
God Sees How We Live
Habakkuk 2:17 reminds us that God sees how people treat the land, the city, the people, and even the animals. This shows us that nothing is hidden from God. He cares about how we treat one another, and He also cares about how we treat what He created.
From the beginning, God gave humanity authority over the earth. Genesis 1:28 says to fill the earth, subdue it, and rule over the living creatures. But this was never permission to waste, abuse, or destroy. God gave us responsibility, not selfish power.
To be a good steward means to take care of what belongs to God. The plants, animals, land, water, and people around us all matter to Him. We are not owners of creation. We are caretakers. We are called to use what God gives us wisely and with gratitude.
We Need God to Open Our Eyes
After Adam and Eve sinned, they no longer saw life the way God intended. Sin brought shame, fear, selfishness, and spiritual blindness. Since then, people have often looked at life through their own desires instead of through God’s truth.
This is why Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18 is so important: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” We need God to open the eyes of our hearts. We need Him to help us see hope, truth, mercy, and purpose.
When our spiritual eyes are open, we begin to see people differently. We see them as souls God loves. We see creation as a gift from His hand. We see our blessings as something to share, not something to hold tightly. We see our faith as something to live, not just something to talk about.
Living With Open Eyes Every Day
Psalm 105:4 says, “Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.” This means we should not move through life half-asleep spiritually. We should look for God in our homes, our communities, our work, our church, and the world around us.
Living with open eyes means asking simple but important questions: Am I loving people well? Am I caring for what God has given me? Am I using my words to build up or tear down? Am I paying attention to the needs around me? Am I pointing others to Jesus by the way I live?
We do not live this way in our own strength. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead gives power to those who believe. He helps us grow. He corrects us. He teaches us. He gives us grace when we fall short and calls us back to His way.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, open the eyes of our hearts. Help us see people the way You see them. Help us care for the earth as Your creation. Help us use our authority with humility and love. Teach us to live our Christian faith not only with words, but with actions that reflect Jesus. Amen.
Today, may we walk with open eyes, open hands, and open hearts. May our lives show the love of Christ and point others back to God.
Minister A. Francine Green, August 2026