THE EYEBALL TEST
A person can learn a lot by watching, but with enough time we figure out that the eyeball test can’t get past skin. I recall as a kid watching the offering plate getting passed along the rows of church going folks; some would push the plate on down the row like it was a hot potato. You begin to assume things if you’re only source of judgment is the eyeball test.
I don’t take my Bible to church anymore, not to the service anyway. When the preacher man says, “If you’ve brought your Bibles today, please turn to…” he then calls out a Book, chapter, and verse. I glance around ever so slightly to watch the good folks flip back and forth and rattle pages.
When the pastor calls out a more obscure book and verse it’s telling to watch. If he throws out an “Obadiah” or a “Nahum”, pretty much any of the last three-quarters of the Old Testament, less experienced Bible students get stumped.
Some fellow church goers give me the legalistic eyeball test as I sit and wait for the preacher to put the verses up on the big screen. We legalists know that glance of disdain in a judgmental eyeball test all too well…
As a kid in Sunday school racing to places in God’s word as a competition followed me like a shadow all the way to adulthood and every church service where I’d race to beat everyone else in the service after the preacher man would call the Book, chapter, and verse.There’s nothing quite as disgusting in being prideful of a legalistic talent… These days I leave my pride pinned under my worn Bible at home.
When I see folks look to the table of contents in their Bible I see humility. I see the true heart of our Father.
When I see the legalistic eyeball test I see a person that might memorize scripture, but doesn’t begin to grasp the heart of our Father.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, March 13, 2016 @ 5:27 pm
I remember those competitions to find the right book, chapter and verse. Early on, my mother had us learn the books of the Bible, before she would purchase us our own Bible. I admit that I was prideful and always wanted to win and be first. Some of that still lingers on even after all these years. I do take my small Bible to church as it is needed in the Bible Study prior to church. Then I use it as a pad to write my sermon notes. Yes, just lately Pastor has been putting the scripture up on the screen, and for most it is a help. I can just see those in the congregation judging you for not having your Bible, as they pride-fully look up the scripture. I have also observed (eyeballed) those who pass the offering plate like a hot potato, makes me smile. Your post does cause us to reflect and examine our own heart and repent of pride. I like your photo of your worn Bible, as it shows you are giving it good use at home.
Cheryl
Sunday, March 13, 2016 @ 8:09 pm
Oh, boy, could I ever relate to so much of what you said here….I’m ashamed to say, on both sides of the coin. It pains me to think that I could have ever inflicted such on others, but pride is a monster that is hard to see when it is in our own selves, isn’t it? On the receiving end, I have felt the sting of legalism’s whip in an intense way for many years, and I can surely say that it is not a pleasant feeling to be the one being peered at by the eyeball test. I love the way you brought this out…thank you for the gentle reminder. God bless you and your family!
Diane
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 3:10 am
Awesome post, Floyd!!!!!!
Bill (cycleguy)
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 5:25 am
I must be careful of that legalistic eyeball Floyd. Although I do bring my Bible to the worship service. 🙂 Years of “sword drills” have me saying Bible books in my head when I here someone ask a question or when I am asking people to turn somewhere. In this day and age, turning pages is becoming a thing of the past due to smart phones. “Please turn your phone to John 3:16” is what I feel like saying some mornings. 🙂 But you are right: there is no place for pride.
Pam
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 6:45 am
I have been both the giver and receiver of that eyeball–and neither is a good thing. Thanks for the reminder Floyd.
saleslady371
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 9:12 am
I dislike legalism so much. It’s everywhere. I’m up to my eyeballs politically too with legalistic ones trying to manipulate me to consider their candidate because it’s the best choice for a Christian in their opinion. I never paid attention to this in church, but I do bring my Bible because I’m a stubborn gal and I like to follow the sermon in my own translation which, I assure you, the BEST translation!
Lisa notes
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 9:37 am
Legalistic eyeball test…Unfortunately I know exactly what you’re talking about because I participated in it as well. We live and learn and then learn a little more. Thanks for keeping us on our toes, Floyd.
Lynn D. Morrissey
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 12:09 pm
Strange, Floyd, I posted last night, and apparently it didn’t “take.” Am running…..but I agree. And funny, I was legalistically looking around in church yesterday, expecting people to be judging me for not picking up a bible and reading along with the pastor. We’d stood in honor of reverencing God’s Word being read, and I didn’t open the Bible, myself, just preferring to look ahead and really listening to the pastor. Plus, b/c of my contacts and not enough lights in the sanctuary, I’m not able to read print easily. But I was worried people would think I didn’t revere God’s Word b/c I was not holding and reading it! oh my! If we would all just love God more and His people, and judge *ourselves* rightly, we could get rid of the legalism that kills. thanks for a good post, Floyd. Always so appreciate hearing from you!
Lynn
June
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 6:27 pm
You’ve so creatively shed a beaming spotlight on something we’ve likely all been on both sides of at one time or the other. They say if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. However, I’ve learned from personal experience that is not always the case. My mom has an old plate with a picture of an Indian Chief on it that says, “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his moccasins.” And Someone greater than any chief said, “Do unto others, as you. . .” well, you get the idea. The challenge these days is to balance grace with good sense. Because sometimes, the waddling quacker, is a duck. Have a blessed week, Floyd. Oh, BTW, my hummers are back! 🙂
Betty Draper
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 7:39 pm
Since I teach a ladies bible study I will often times ask where is that verse so and so, or give a few words of a verse I am trying to remember. Like most, I have been on both side, giving the eyeball and getting it. It is humbling to not be able to remember a Scripture when I need it. Here is the great thing about aging, I don’t mind as much anymore what others think of me and readily admit a forgetful mind. . The good things about this forgetful mind is we lose most of our judgmental mind along with other things. I have a few girls, younger ones who I turn to often to read what I need. They just type in a couple of words on their bible program on their cell phone and there is the scripture. Or I give slips of paper with the scriptures I need read and ask someone to read it the night before the study, delegate , delegate, delegate. I am amazed how easy it is to delegate, sure makes me look full of wisdom… pride has a way of slipping away when you have to depend on others to co-teach. One women told me she just expected me to know where every scripture was. I have also never read the bible through but once and that was because it was a class assignment. From the comments I see I am not the only one getting real. I love June comment, speaks volumes to those raised eyebrows. Great post brother.
Dolly@Soulstops
Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 9:34 pm
Floyd,
Oh, my, what a description: “the legalistic eyeball test,”…I confess I don’t know the order of all the books in the Bible….but I am slowly learning to allow more of what God teaches into my heart and life 🙂 Blessings to you and yours 🙂
TC Avey
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 @ 6:17 am
I’m so guilty of jumping to conclusions. It’s humbling to realize how wrong I am. I’m so glad God sees our hearts and is full of love and grace toward those who trust in the blood of Christ.
Great post!
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 @ 1:44 pm
Well, I always take my Bible to churches, and the main reason is b/c I can write some pieces by the verses so I can follow through. But, being around and about doesn’t make any difference for anyone. As usual, Bro, you are a good writer and a good sharer. My reading has become more difficult every day. Sorry. Thank you much, b/c you are a spiritual blessing for many in our states and around the world. Bless you! 😉
Hazel Moon
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 @ 3:16 pm
Thank you for sharing your awesome post with us here at Tell me a Story.
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Sharon
Thursday, March 17, 2016 @ 10:25 am
Floyd, so well said!! I love the word picture of a legalistic eyeball test. And yes, we do seem to apply it in all sorts of ways. I don’t know if you’ve ever read “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. Basically, they are letters from a senior demon to a junior tempter, his apprentice. They are working on a particular person, to keep them from being saved. Well, this person does indeed accept Christ. But the senior demon says that not all is lost. And one of the things that he counsels the junior tempter to do is distract this person in church – by looking around and judging. Guilty as charged. I have all-too-often caught myself internally commenting on off-key singing, things people wear, overdone aftershave or perfume, noisy babies, etc. You name it, I’ve thought it. The enemy is very strong at this game – I’m pretty sure he invented the legalistic eyeball test.
Good for you for leaving your pride at the doorstep (or better yet, as you do, burying it BENEATH the Word of God!!)
I’m not good at memorizing Scripture, I’m always saying something like, “Somewhere in the Bible it says…” I find myself judging my own self, for not *knowing* verses like other people. But I can say this, what I do know has deep roots in my heart.
Great post, as always. Much food for thought.
GOD BLESS!