THE SINGLE EYE

THE SINGLE EYE

"Focusing Intention to Fill the Body with Spiritual Light"

PREFACE

"The light of the body is the eye..."

These words of Jesus, spoken centuries ago, carry a mystery that transcends time—a divine invitation to perceive beyond the visible, to see with the soul. In a world filled with distractions, where the heart is often pulled in countless directions, Christ’s call to a "single eye" is more than a command—it is a promise. A promise that if we fix our gaze on Him, our entire being will be flooded with His radiance, His truth, and His life.

This essay is an exploration of that sacred illumination—how an undivided heart becomes a vessel of divine light. It is not merely an intellectual study but a spiritual journey, one that draws from Scripture, wisdom, and the testimonies of those who have walked this path before us. Here, we seek to understand how focus transforms into fullness, how intention opens the floodgates of heaven’s energy, and how purity of vision leads to the indwelling of God’s glory.

Whether you approach this subject as a seeker of truth, a student of Scripture, or a disciple longing for deeper communion with God, may these reflections stir your spirit. For the light that Jesus speaks of is not a distant glow but a living flame—one that purifies, empowers, and guides all who fix their eyes upon Him.

As you read, may your own vision become clearer, your heart more steadfast, and your whole being increasingly filled with the unquenchable light of His presence.

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1)

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WHAT IS THE METAPHOR OF A SINGLE EYE?

In Matthew 6:22 (KJV), Jesus declares, "The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." This profound statement suggests meaning as a deep spiritual principle: the way I perceive and direct our inner vision determines the state of our spiritual being. Many interpret this as an exhortation to cultivate a singular focus on divine truth, allowing God’s light to permeate our entire being. But how does this work in practice? How does a "single eye" lead to a body filled with light?

THE "MEANING OF A SINGLE EYE"

The Greek word for "single" in this passage is haplous (Haplous is a Greek adjective meaning "single") which can mean "simple," "undivided," or "focused." A "single eye," therefore, implies a heart and mind wholly devoted to God, free from distraction and duplicity.

UNDIVIDED DEVOTION TO GOD

Jesus warns against divided loyalties: "No man can serve two masters… Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24).

James 1:8 warns that "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." A divided heart cannot receive God’s fullness.

PURE SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION

The "eye" symbolizes spiritual perception. Proverbs 4:25-27 urges: "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee."

When our spiritual vision is fixed on Christ ("looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"—Hebrews 12:2), we receive His light.

How a Single Eye Fills the Body with Light

The "light" in this passage represents divine wisdom, holiness, and the presence of God. When our inner vision is aligned with God’s truth, His light transforms us.

SPIRITUAL ILLUMINATION

Psalm 119:130 says, "The entrance of thy words giveth light." A mind fixed on Scripture absorbs divine truth.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).

INNER TRANSFORMATION

A single eye leads to purity: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8).

Paul writes, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

DIVINE POWER AND ENERGY

Some interpret this "light" as spiritual energy (like the Shekinah glory). Jesus promised, "He that believeth on me… out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38).

Paul speaks of "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened" (Ephesians 1:18), suggesting an infusion of divine power.

Practical Application: Cultivating a Single Eye

How can believers develop this singular focus to be filled with God’s light?

MEDITATION ON SCRIPTURE

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).

Joshua 1:8 instructs us to meditate on God’s Word day and night.

PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL FOCUS

Jesus taught, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and… pray to thy Father which is in secret" (Matthew 6:6).

Paul urges, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

GUARDING AGAINST DISTRUCTION

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:15).

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2).

CONCLUSION

Jesus’ teaching on the "single eye" reveals that spiritual clarity and divine illumination come from undivided devotion to God. When our inner vision is fixed on Him—free from worldly distractions and double-mindedness—His light fills our entire being, transforming us into vessels of His glory. As we meditate on Scripture, pray without ceasing, and guard our hearts, we experience the fulfillment of this promise: a life radiant with the light of Christ.

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)

Pastor John U. Ordillo