The first person that tells a story seems right, until a counter-perspective is offered. Yet rarely are our stories black and white – with one side being completely right while the other side is completely wrong. Generally, both sides of a story are needed to get a fuller picture of what has taken place. And this binocular vision is needed throughout our life and relationships as well.
Certainly, we can see this in marriage. A healthy marriage doesn’t consist of just the husband’s or just the wife’s point of view, but rather them both offering their unique perspectives to get a clearer picture of the whole.
And, even more basic, both the masculine and feminine reflections of God are needed to reveal an accurate picture of God’s divine glory.
Likewise, this can play out with different personalities, political orientations, and even theological debates. Whatever it looks like, it’s unlikely that one person or group has all the right answers and has nothing to learn from others. For instance, as much as we’re to be salt and light in the world, Jesus observed that even the people of God can learn shrewdness from the people of this world.
Of course, this is not to give up our perspectives and core values. But it’s not to let pride and our monocular vision cause us to miss the depth, nuance, and richness of reality available either.
Binocular vision enables our depth perception of larger realities. We come alongside each other and provide a fuller picture than what we’re able to do alone – the two becoming one. And even when our position is technically correct alone, it remains incomplete without the benefit of having another point of view.
To be sure, life becomes one-dimensional and shallow without the benefit of multiple perspectives.
Stand firm in your own point of view, while also allowing other perspectives alongside yours. This binocular vision gives you a fuller and deeper appreciation of what is true.
Photo by Forest Simon on Unsplash
