I spend a lot of time bending, kneeling, stooping, bowing down and prostrating myself to capture eye-level photographs.
Getting close and shooting eye-to-eye isn't always easy. In fact, assuming a prone position in inhospitable conditions can be a bit risky, but I like the connection I feel when I'm interacting and eye-to-eye.
It's very engaging to be on the same level, connecting eye-to-eye.
Our encounters take on a new level of intimacy when on equal footing, standing toe-to-toe and looking each other in the eye.
Making an effort to achieve the connection that comes from getting "on the same level" can transform an ordinary interaction into an incredible interchange.
1 Corinthians 8:7-9 implies: "Knowing isn’t everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings. Real knowledge isn’t that insensitive. We need to be sensitive to the fact that we’re not all at the same level... ."
The best communication isn't always top-down and authoritative. Good connections aren't always the result of command-and-control demands poured down from self-aggrandizing positions of supremacy and dominance. Sometimes it's best, as my mother would say, to "come down off your high horse."
1 Peter 5:4-5 - You who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud.
Of the six things the Lord hates (the seven things listed in Proverbs 6:16-17 as "abominations to GOD") the Bible first mentions: "a proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others]."
Face-to-face interactions can be magnificent.
No wonder we are so moved by GOD's incarnation!
Things look different because Jesus came down from GOD, looked us "right in the eye" and leveled with us. Things are different because GOD leveled with us!
Philippians 2:8-11 describes GOD's redemptive action this way:
He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
GOD's initiative enables our response. GOD's action enables our reaction. GOD's invitation enables our connection with the ONE who dwells above the highest heights.
GOD leveled with us.
Run to HIM.
Psalm 31:1-5
I run to you, God; I run for dear life.
Don’t let me down!
Take me seriously this time!
Get down on my level and listen,
and please—no procrastination!
Your granite cave a hiding place,
your high cliff aerie a place of safety.
You’re my cave to hide in,
my cliff to climb.
Be my safe leader,
be my true mountain guide.
Free me from hidden traps;
I want to hide in you.
I’ve put my life in your hands.
You won’t drop me,
you’ll never let me down.
Thanks for shar!ng. My m!nd wanders off as ! been read!ng the b!ble everyday. Been hav!ng d!ff!cult!es focus!ng. ! somet!mes have to reread what ! just read beacause ! was th!nk!ng about someth!ng else. ! read your post rather well and !t was very comfort!ng for me. Thanks aga!n Pastor Beeson bless you and everyone that reads your posts youre awsome!
Posted by: Johnny Carr | August 08, 2014 at 11:30 AM
That fat little gray and white bird is my favorite. I forgot how much I loved that pic until I saw it again in your post. Love you daddy.
Posted by: Amberwire.wordpress.com | September 03, 2014 at 03:54 PM