I worked with a manager that talked about his love of the job. The reason he said was that he could now see things in focus for months and years instead days. Having the insight allowed him to more fully participate in the process. I wondered aloud at the time if that meant he could manipulate things to his advantage. My question surprised him because in his vision insight never removed another’s freedom of choice. “Insight” presented the opportunity to live fully in the present.
I have come back to our conversation many times in the decade since. The conversation especially haunts when politics rage, relationships fray, and dialogues appear even more fragile than normal. What if I could see, really see what was and is going on. What would or could happen? Do I even want to see?
The last question is where we must start. John wanted to see! So his words are both a comfort and warning to anyone today that is looking to experience the same. “In the Spirit he carried me out in the desert.” (Revelation 17.3) Am I willing to release myself to the Spirit? Will I continue in my openness to the experience if I end up out in the desert? Can I let go of my fear and boundaries and let is all hang out, risking everything?
If my answer to everything is an unreserved “yes”, am I willing to see without editorial defensiveness? Will the scene so shock me that I deny what is reality? The world is in a very fragile state. Our condition is personally riddled with self-centric behavior and actions! The details are ugly, painful, and at often difficult to see without judgment.
Linking up with the Spirit, opening one’s eyes to life, presents the final gate to insight. What do I expect to happen? Am I fighting the cause of success or faith? Will I worry about destinations or process? Is control or compassion more important?
God is looking to give us insight. Are we looking for insight from God? It takes two.
