On Perspective
Someone else shared this with: "This is how I understand man’s autonomy/responsibility and God’s sovereignty. The Bible freely uses language that supports both views, which makes me think it’s a 'both and' kind of thing."
Perspective. Things look different from different viewpoints. Information decoded from one view often looks different when decoded from another. It's because we don't have the ability to see a thing completely all at once. It's not until we view it from multiple angles that we begin to get an accurate mental model. Understanding bias and accounting for it is an important concept in critical thinking. And in every professional, well, profession I've worked in - thinking critically and perceiving perspective have been incredibly important, both for people making retail purchases and for lives hanging in the balance.
It's rather amazing how God made man to work, and how much he can push through to do that work. If there is no accounting for other perspectives, that man will work to beyond the end of himself. And it's when you're finally out there, far beyond any safety nets - at that point, "that you're really in trouble", as Jordan Peterson says.
Because when all of your safety nets fall away, that water you can fall into is cold, dark, deep, and crushing. It is unforgiving and is loathe to give up what it has taken. Once you're out that far, the current only flows out, out toward the depths.
The irony in this, is that it could be - that the person you're standing next to is right there in that situation, and you'd never know.
Because of perspective.
Think deeply of your loved ones. Watch for the signs. Many, many people are in battles that even their closest family would miss, except for those with eyes to see. Encourage them, and give them strength. Share their burdens if you are able. Remind them that beyond this life, there is peace, and an eternal sunrise.
The weary wearing-down of this life can be rejuvenated at the Cross.
