Depth perception is the visual ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and the distance of an object to the viewer. Without this three-dimensional ability, one has difficulty in walking and stumbles over the tiniest of objects. In applying this to our spiritual life, I see that there is a necessity to look beyond the external and see the spiritual. It is having a prophetic vision that sees purpose and values more than just utility and logic. When one lacks this dimension, a person tends to argue about what really doesn’t matter. The conversations stay focussed on the superficial, and one seeks identity in the external aspects of skin color, achievements, titles, social position or level of education. Depth perception helps us understand the present in the light of the eternal.
A “flat screen” approach to life affects relationships, what one values, and his identity. With this superficial world view, the tendency is to be manipulated by public opinion and the popular status quo. Relationships that are determined by external appearance and personal achievement are the shifting sand that precedes a fall; resulting in the daily stress of maintaining the right image and pleasing the influencers. If you see yourself in this “two-dimensional” mindset, you will be influenced by flattery and tempted to violate your principles and morals for the temporary pleasure of acceptance and praise.
When the people of Israel cried out for a king like the other nations, God granted them their desires. He gave them a king with the outward stature of a king, in that he was a head taller than anyone else. Saul looked the role, but inwardly he was insecure. In time, Saul’s inner “smallness” was revealed by his fear of man. (I Samuel 15:24) The outward appearance was not a guarantee of inner greatness. Saul’s lack of spiritual depth caused him to listen to the voice of the people rather than hear and obey God. God told the prophet Samuel that He had rejected Saul as king and sent him to anoint another. This time it was to be with spiritual “depth perception” and not as the eye sees. He was sent to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons as the future king. As these young men were presented to the prophet, Samuel first looked at their appearance, but God was looking at the heart. Finally, the one who no one thought qualified, appeared; David, a man after God’s own heart.
When Jesus chose His disciples, he was looking at the heart. Jesus saw the present in light of eternity. He saw their potential, rather than their present state. He chose rebels, unlearned fishermen, despised tax collectors, and ordinary “Joes”, to be history-makers. Those without depth perception choose the qualified to positions of leadership, whereas God chooses those with the right heart and then qualifies and anoints them to do great things. So many of the leaders of Jesus’ day had only a two-dimensional perspective. They could not see what Jesus saw. When He talked to the Samaritan woman or dined at the home of tax collectors and sinners, they were offended. They thought that only those with the right appearance and social standing were important to God. But God sees deeper, He sees the heart.
When you see someone’s heart, you see his motivation. With depth perception you can overlook the roughness of one’s personality and the scars of his sufferings and see their worth. Through God’s eyes you can look past the sin and see the sinner whom God loves. God has poured out His love in our hearts so that we can see as He sees and love as He loves.
Scriptures to meditate on:
I Samuel 15:24; 16:7; John 7:24; II Corinthians 5:12; Romans 5:8; 12:10