Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!~Matthew 6:22, 23 (NLT)
Context: this is one of the most important words when it comes to reading and interpreting Scripture. Sadly, many people teach these two verses out of context.
I grew up in churches hearing these verses used to encourage Christians not to lust. While the intent is good and the principle is sound, lust is simply NOT what these verses are about.
THESE WORDS OF JESUS ARE ABOUT MATERIAL WEALTH. Jesus is talking about money before and after these verses.
Your eyes are lamps that bring light into your life when your vision is focused on God being your eternal, loving, grace-filled provider. When your sights are set on The Lord rather than your financial situation, your life is filled with light. You are hopeful, optimistic, encouraged, and positive. You feel better because you realize that because your Father loves you, all is well…always.
But when your eyes are bad you are focusing on your financial stress, your sense of lack, and your worries. When you focus your vision on those things, negativity, doubt, fear and anxiety dominate your thoughts. You might think more money is the answer. You might think that more wealth will meet your needs, but you’re wrong. You are looking to something that simply is not the light and expecting it to be the light. When you are in that mental and emotional space, you are truly in the dark…and ‘how deep that darkness is!”
Jesus is the light of the world. Trust him above all else. Economies collapse, but Christ will forever be LORD. Focus your vision on Him!