January 23, 2020

The door to my office is usually open. That allows the staff members quick access, which helps facilitate decisions they have to make for ministry. It’s a good thing.

Yesterday, as Amanda was talking to me about a summer intern, Grace walked in with a camera and started taking pictures as I sat at my desk.

I wasn’t really surprised because if I had a camera, I’d take pictures of me too. It’s only natural.

But out of mild curiosity, I asked Grace why she was taking my picture. She said she was setting up the church’s Instagram account and I was the featured staff person of the week. Then she giggled, knelt down, and took another picture and said, “I had to get a low angle so you are taller than your chair.” Amanda and Grace thought that was hilarious. I didn’t get it.

While offensive, insulting, and demeaning, Grace’s comment got me thinking. Perspective matters.

The angle that Grace used in taking my picture was a perspective that made me look taller than I am. Perspective matters – especially for those who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior.

We have a perspective on life that colors how we see everything that happens, and how we respond. This perspective dictates how we use our time, spend our money, relieve the suffering of others, and make this world a better place.

Paul said it best: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

The perspective we work from is a people saved by God’s good grace through the sacrifice of his Son. This wonderful love that saves us is the same love we are to extend to others.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me see every moment through the lens of your love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

And as far as Grace’s mean, hurtful, insensitive, cruel, and upsetting comment, I intended to relate to her as someone who has been forgiven a whole bucket load of sins. In other words, because Jesus forgave me, I will forgive her. It’s the least I can do.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins