BLURRED LENSES

 

Myopia—a narrow view of something; nearsightedness. Per Merriam-Webster. 

We’re all myopics then. None could claim a genuine expansive worldview because we assess things around us based on our own sketchy, patchy perspectives. 

You and I are bounded, limited. I grew up within the confines of my country, culture and family.  Your education, training and experiences, even your life challenges, are way different from mine.  

If you’re a prodigious writer, you worry about syntax and grammar. A reader will just be too happy he understood what you wrote—without concern about your correct use of past or present tense.

Engineers focus on efficiency, systems, processes. Logic reigns. Tell that to an artist who’s motivated only by self expression and colors and textures.

Admit it, we size up people based on our own limited and familiar orientations, thus judge one another quite rashly. Or make decisions that put others in harm’s way. 

Take current days’ politicos. 

Why did Putin invade Ukraine? Was it out of a divine inspiration that the USSR could be reunited as an empire? Has he not learned that invasions and autocracies are a thing of the past? Is he living in the middle ages? Outdated view, isn't it. 

Why did the Marcos name reemerge in the Philippines? Was it because Marcos the younger believed his father’s legacy was worth restoring?  Yet it was an evil regime proven by history. Tangled view, this!

And why did I judge my neighbor as such and such only to learn later on—and to my embarrassment—that my assumption was wrong? Myopic! 

So if our own measuring scales are rusty and inaccurate, what standard do we hold each other to—so that we make the right decisions? 

Since the fall of Adam and Eve, man’s concept of right and wrong has been messed up: success measured by the power, influence and gold one amasses; autocrats applauded; billionaires worshipped; sensuality and the selfie-culture promoted. 

The Bible holds us to one gold standard—our only basis for assessing ourselves, others and situations around us. 

We’re all sinners. 

Romans 3:10-12—“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

So how can I judge John or Joannie as such and such when I too am a sinner. Too, what boundaries have hemmed him or her? Abusive parents? Bullies at school or at work? Couldn't I give him or her the benefit of the doubt? 

We all needed saving. 

Yes, even megalomaniacs and corrupt politicians.

No wonder Jesus came. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“Perish” is what we all deserve. Yet if we “believe”, “perish” gets replaced by “everlasting life”. Jesus is our only way out of life’s stickiest situation—eternal damnation.  

The Word of God shows us the ropes. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”

Prayer: Lord, help me look at people and situations through your eyes and regard them with wisdom from Your Word. I have preconceptions of my own, but I count those as nothing compared to the amazing grace through which you regard all of us—with love, compassion and kindness. Lord, teach me your point of view.