This idea that we need to be spiritually sensitive runs throughout Scripture. It allows us to understand how God is working around us, how Satan may be active, how God speaks through Scripture and many other ways, and so on. Importantly, it also helps us see the spiritual needs of those around us.
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Matthew 9:10-12 (ESV)
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 2 Corinthians 5:16
With eyes to see and ears to hear, we can look to the unseen, the spiritual needs in people’s lives.
It is our natural bias to see the world only through eyes of flesh, but this is not how Jesus saw people. As we seek to become more like Him, we should expect to become increasingly aware of people’s spiritual condition, their spiritual needs.
This is not to ignore their physical condition, but to see it in the context of the spiritual. Doing so may cause us to have even more focus on their physical needs because we see how there are opportunities for them to know the Father.
However, while this may be an important part of our growth as disciples, we need the Spirit to open our eyes. So, let’s pray for His help.
Lord, open my eyes to the spiritual needs of those around me, that Your kingdom may come in my heart as well as others.
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