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Depth Perception
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One advantage of having two eyes is that the brain can estimate
distance from two sources. A photograph can give us two dimensions
(width and height). Depth perception begins to add a new dimension,
depth. It is interesting to consider the addition of extra
“dimensions”. Just as a motion picture adds the dimension of time to a
still photograph, the addition of sound recording adds still more
information. even with all this information, we are still missing the
most important dimension, truth.
The writer of Hebrews cautions his readers that discernment has to be
exercised (Heb 5:14) and is associated with maturity. Just as a motion
picture can portray reality or fiction, We are presented in life with a
tableau, elements of which that can be real or false. Our ability to
perceive deeper things requires us to see past what is false. This is
hindered in two ways. First Satan has constructed a world (Eph 2:2) in
which that which is false is promoted. Secondly, we have already taken
in much that is false. Perhaps the most difficult challenge to truth
are those things we have already accepted as true that are not. This
can blind us from truth and make us vulnerable to even greater
deceptions.
Consider the example of evolution. Basically it is a proposition that
nothing existed and then it blew up and became everything. This then
organized itself until it became us. Satan has put a lot of effort in
getting people to accept this. Once taken in, it cripples one from
seeing God as the creator. It also allows us to feel superior in
that we must be the pinnacle of the universe.
Perhaps a key to recognizing that which we have taken in that is not
true, is that which makes us feel good. For example, if we come to see
ourselves as fans of a particular sports team, we may hear sports news
through a filter that makes us feel good when the team wins or bad when
the team looses. We might be inclined to accept as true disparaging
news about opposing teams. For Christians this sort of emotional
distortion can affect us with regard for things like our denominational
affiliation or religious tradition. Like the scribes and Phasisees that
could not accept Jesus because he was different than their traditions
anticipated. Their “depth perception” was hindered by that in which
they were mistaken.
Not only is our “depth perception” hindered by that which we believe
that is wrong, it is also hindered by that of which we are ignorant.
Consider the “born again” talk Jesus had with Nicodemus. If Nicodemus
had been familiar with Ezekiel 36:24-27, he might have understood that
the kingdom for Israel and new covenant would require supernatural
changes (Jer 31:31).
The bible describes the lost of this world as having been blinded by
Satan (2Cor 4:4). One would expect to see little “depth perception”
from those who have been blinded. However, Christians are free to
examine their own beliefs to see what is in error, read the bible to
soak in truth, and mature from a selfish life into the selflessness of
love. Sadly, we all too often fail to do anything to improve our
vision. There are many voices in Christendom that tell us to relax and
be comfortable, that there is nothing else to do, or that we should
just trust the experts. However, we should be able to recognize how
much we don’t know and that should tell us of our need for searching,
inquiry, and questioning. Otherwise the only thing we have to share in
the world to come is a testimony of the danger of complacency.
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