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The Apple of Your Eye

“My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.”¹

The apple of the eye was used in the old testament by writers to indicate something that we value more than anything else. The phrase comes from a Hebrew expression that literally means “little man of the eye”. It refers to the little reflection of yourself that you see in another person’s pupils when you look closely. To be the apple of someone’s eye means that you are being closely watched by that person.

We are told several times throughout scripture to obey or keep God’s commands, and to follow his teachings. But I love how today’s verse shows the depth of just how closely we should be reading and reflecting on God’s Word.

Just as Solomon reminds his Son the importance of listening to his words and guarding his teaching as the apple of his eye, we too, as children of God, are to do the same with His Word. God knows that we are human and that we will no doubt be tempted to be led astray, which is perhaps why he has provided so many reminders for us to stay firm and cling to his commands. But making God’s word the “apple of our eye” goes deeper than simply reading the Bible. It implies the importance of studying it often and mediating on it, so that we become a reflection of it. As God’s word becomes part of us, we will begin seeing others through God’s eyes as well – showing His love and grace.

Knowing and memorizing God’s Word is great, but let us not forget that we should never learn it just to “know” more, but we must let it transform our lives. Something wonderful happens as we allow ourselves to be transformed into the image of Christ through the truth of His Word instead of being influenced by our own desires or the temptations of this world.

I encourage you to choose one verse today that you want to become a reflection of. Post it somewhere visible, memorize it, and put it into practice everyday until it truly becomes part of you.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me study your Word, not just to know more, but to reflect it to those around me. Transform me and help me see areas that I still need to surrender to you. Thank you for your unconditional love and patience with me as I continue to apply your teachings. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Proverbs 7:1-2 (NIV).

 

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.