The Right Perspective

The story is told of five blind men who had never encountered an elephant, but had the opportunity to inspect one in their village. One found a leg of the elephant, another the elephant’s trunk, another an ear, another its tail and the last, a tusk. Each blind man described the elephant differently because of his limited experience.

The story illustrates differences in individual perspectives. Each of the five men were influenced by their experience. They could report truthfully, yet each report was incomplete.

People process and understand what you say based on their perspective. For example, when you use the word family, those listening to you will naturally picture in their mind their own family. Consider how different the perspective of an only child would be compared to a person with several siblings; or compare a person who regularly engages with extended family to someone who sees her family only on occasion.

A person’s perspective is also affected by his/her values. For example, a person who values saving money will have a different view of money than a person who loves to spend money. A person who loves all little fuzzy creatures will view animals differently than a hunter.

Compare the perspectives of school teachers with businessmen, or the perspective of a factory owner with an assembly line worker. Each one’s vocation influences his/her perspective.

Have you ever thought about how your personal experiences, values, and choices have affected your perspective of the Bible?

On one occasion Jesus was tested by a lawyer asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Instead of answering directly, Jesus asked…

“What is written in the Law? How does it read to you? 

—Luke 10:26

Notice that Jesus asked the man two questions. The first had nothing to do with his perspective. It was simply a question about what was written in the Law of Moses. Regardless of the man’s experiences, personal values, or choices, the Law of Moses said something. This man’s existence had no bearing on what the Law said.

The second question had more to do with the man’s perspective. It was about how he understood the Law. Even so, Jesus responded to the man’s answer by telling him, “You have answered correctly.” We must see that there was a correct answer. He could have had a wrong perspective. The validation Jesus gave tells us that the man had the same perspective as God.

Someone who loves fuzzy animals and then frowns on God for animal sacrifices in the Law of Moses judges God with a subjective perspective that limits understanding of the Bible.

A person whose attitude is all love and tolerance, and who declares, “No one should ever hate anyone,” holds to a naïve perspective that is sure to clash with divine perspective.

To understand the Bible, you must consider God’s perspective because it is His word and He meant something specific when He revealed it. You adjust your perspective by accepting God’s perspective and allowing His values to mold your own. By looking at life through the eyes of God you gain understanding regarding life and your place in this world. A change in perspective will increase understanding.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 

—Isaiah 55:8

Mark Stinnett
October 8, 2023