In a world filled with distractions, biases, and judgments, the ability to see others with singleness of vision is a rare and powerful gift. This principle—found in scripture, philosophy, Latter-day Saint teachings, and the wisdom of Alcoholics Anonymous—challenges us to look beyond surface-level differences and recognize the divine worth in every person.
AA’s Perspective: The Role of Humility in Vision
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) emphasizes a singleness of purpose—staying focused on recovery and spiritual growth. Yet, this idea extends beyond personal change; it also applies to how one sees and interacts with others.
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous states:
“Selfishness—self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.” (AA Big Book, p. 62)
When individuals in recovery stop focusing on themselves and begin serving others, their perspective shifts. They learn to see people with compassion rather than judgment—understanding that everyone is struggling with something.
AA’s Third Tradition teaches an essential principle:
“The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.”
This reflects an open-hearted, single-minded vision of acceptance. In AA meetings, it does not matter what a person has done in the past—only their willingness to move forward.
This mirrors the biblical and Latter-day Saint view of seeing individuals through the lens of grace rather than condemnation. The Serenity Prayer, often recited in AA meetings, embodies the wisdom of seeing with clarity:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
By embracing acceptance, courage, and wisdom, individuals can refine their spiritual vision and focus on what truly matters.
Throughout history, philosophers have emphasized the importance of clarity in perception.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught:
“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them.”
In other words, much of our suffering—and our misjudgment of others—comes from how we choose to see rather than from reality itself. A single, purified vision leads to better relationships, greater peace, and a stronger connection to truth.
Jesus Christ taught the importance of having a single, undivided eye—one that allows us to see with light rather than darkness:
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22)
This verse suggests that when we focus on truth, love, and righteousness, we gain a clearer vision—not only of our own path but of the people around us. Conversely, when our vision is clouded by selfishness, resentment, or prejudice, we struggle to see others as they truly are. True spiritual vision means striving to see beyond the external and into the heart of our fellow man.
When we fix our gaze on God and align ourselves with His will, we gain the ability to see others as He does. A Lesson from President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Try a little harder to be a little better.” Part of this effort includes refining our perspective—choosing to see people’s potential rather than their past mistakes, and extending grace where others might judge.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf echoed this idea:
“As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger.”
By focusing on love and service, our vision becomes clearer, and we begin to understand others in the way God intends.
Conclusion: Choosing to See with Love
Singleness of vision means seeing others as they truly are—not through the distorted lens of bias, fear, or selfishness, but with clarity, love, and divine understanding. Whether through the teachings of Jesus Christ, the insights of philosophers, the wisdom of Latter-day Saint doctrine, or the transformative experience of recovery, one truth remains constant:
When we choose to see others with love, we become full of light. Our relationships deepen, our compassion expands, and we draw closer to the divine.
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