Things
are not always what they seem.
We are
instructed by the Lord to be careful how we see. Oh so often do our
eyes betray us. We see something and walk away convinced we know the
truth because of what we have seen with our eyes, heard with our ears
and touched with our hands. Our experience becomes our truth –
about people – the people we are called to love from a life in
Christ.
Man
looks on the outward, but God looks on the heart.
As my
days in Mozambique continue, and contact with people in the village
becomes more common, I am gently reminded that history, economics,
education and culture do not change this one thing:
Every
person is created in Love, by Love, for love...
On
purpose,
With
His purpose.
People
of all nations and all cultures, regardless of socio-economic status
or education have to make this one choice every day;
to live from
fear or to live from love.
There is
an invisible line. You've heard about it.
Some call it boundaries.
I'm
reminded of my early days as a nurse. One thing they stressed in
nursing school was to “keep a professional distance” with your
patients. That was intended to protect you from the people for whom you
cared. While at the same time we were expected to be the patient
advocate, a liason to assist the patient in obtaining anything
necessary for health – physically, emotionally and spiritually.
I found
the same advice as I began to minister the gospel. Again, great
expectations with flashing neon warning signs to avoid loving too
much. Fortunately, the Lord placed pastors in my life that purposely
chose love over fear every day, in every way.
Over the
years I have inadvertently stepped over “the line”. And, over the
years, I have purposely removed “the line”. Sometimes it has cost
me more than I expected to pay. Many times it has blessed me.
Every
time, I would do it again.
In this
new world I see people everyday that have no such boundaries. There
is no line to cross or to avoid crossing. Very often it is the just
the opposite. A person will generally come inside
your 'bubble' in order to have a simple conversation. Relationship is
after all, relational. And relationship requires intimacy.
It's
easy to think we know “people” from our side of the line. But
once we step over the line, when we come to that place of fellowship,
when we press our way into the bubble of another, we will always find
things look different from the other side of the line.
From the
beach we are convinced we accurately see land and sea. Once out on
the ocean we discover a new perception of the land ~ and of the sea.
A perception we can never know if we refuse to pay for the trip. When
it comes to our perspective on people, the price is very high. What
will you give? What is that life worth to you?
They
warned Jesus about hanging out with harlots, tax collectors and
especially wicked sinners. He did it anyway. They were sure He
couldn't be a prophet because He appeared to not perceive what kind
of woman was touching Him. His response was not in His own defense,
but in hers, “he who is forgiven much, loves much”.
From
their side of the line, they could not perceive the cost of the oil
in her alabaster box.
People
have great value.
People
are worth loving.
More
than once I have listened to the wisdom of men who have “walked
this road before” and I have set it aside to take up the wisdom of Love
that created the road, only to find that Love knew something that man
did not. I regularly challenge what is perceived
as wisdom.
We can
keep people at arms reach or we can draw them in and wrap them in
love and acceptance. I am reminded of being “grafted in”. Love
not only draws us in, but Love binds us together with Himself, until
we become one - indistinguishable from the One in Whom we've been
grafted.
If there
is a prevailing theme in my life, it would have to be “perception”.
You can only see what you can see ~ until you find another vantage
point.
Laura
Hackett makes the point clearly (from my vantage point) as she sings
the following song. Click here to hear it on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h36Vv_iifGo
And when
next you are faced with the choice to fear (keep a safe distance) or
love (step over the line/draw another into your bubble), check your
wisdom from heaven's perspective. It is the greatest vantage point.
With His Heart,
Kimberly
Lowest
Place
VERSE1
You said there would be joy in the laying down.
You said there would be joy in the letting go.
You said there would be joy in the giving up my rights.
And now I see.
PRE-CHORUS1
Your River it rushes to the lowest place.
Your River it rushes to the lowest place.
Your River it rushes to the lowest place.
Your River it rushes.
PRE-CHORUS2
Come and rush over me.
Come and rush over me.
Come and rush over me.
Let Your River flow.
CHORUS
I bow down,I get low.
I open up my heart to receive Your love.
I bow down,I get low.
I open up my heart to receive Your love.
BRIDGE1
I've got to get to the wells of joy.
I have to dig for the wells of joy!
I've got to get to the wells of joy.
I've got to get lower, lower.
Proverbs
18:17
The
first person to speak always seems right until someone comes and asks
the right questions.
