Finding truth in contrast

Let me offer a devotional drawn from nature. Our focus: stark contrast!

Nothing demonstrates the dimensions of color better than a dynamic iris or rose cast into the twilight zone of black and white -- in this case, a film noir filter. I love how the dexterous lines of God's magnificent creation remain fixed, and yet seem to blend and flex through the transition from one frame to the other.

Taking this to heart may actually help us to better understand each other and our world, for we often need reminders that different people may see different things - and not just due to opposing viewpoints or line of sight, but due to genetic differences in their eye composition and lenses, or the varied way their eyes and minds may process light waves and neural signals.

We should take this all into account before we judge others on even the simplest of observations, such as what exactly is red or blue, black or white. This becomes especially important when we deal in shades of grey... or is it gray...

The Old Testament book 1st Kings 3:9 shares how Solomon prayed for such wisdom as he became king: "Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil…” The apostle Paul recommended this for everyone, as noted in Romans 12:2; “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Of course, if you are ever in doubt, you know who to go to. As noted in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Have a blessed day!