Movie producers know all about veils. If they want to hide something from view, they simply match the colour of the object to the colour of a filter (veil) they have previously put over the camera lens. Like magic the object disappears on a screen. They can cover up your hand or your head or a string holding you to the ceiling while you fly through the air. If you were in the studio you’d see the hand, the head, or the string because they are there in reality. But, behind the filter, things do not appear as they really are. They now appear as they are arranged to look.
We grow up in a culture of lies. Our world has a set of information that applies to our thinking in the same way a filter is put over a camera lens. “If it feels good, do it.” “Be your own person.” “Lying is only a problem if you get caught.” “You’ve got to take care of yourself first.” “Outside of marriage, sex is fine as long as you’re with someone you love.” “Winning the lottery will fulfill your dreams.” These are commonly accepted justifications for how we live life in our culture today. We think they are part of the package that will ultimately give us the freedom and satisfaction we crave.
Jesus, on the other hand, clearly tells us, “You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free …. So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free. … My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” (John 8:31, 36, 10:10 NLT)
How do we know if we are seeing life through a filter – living under the veil – or not? Jesus tells us clearly, “if you obey my teachings.” Freedom to do what we want, when we want, with whomever we want is a veil that clouds our vision and keeps us from freedom. However, if we live the truly free life, walking in obedience to God’s commands, not only will we enjoy life much more than we ever have, but our lives will be a witness to the Gospel’s power to change and an attraction to others.
And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT)
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