05 Apr Seems

Seems.

Not to be confused with “seams”… although there is a bit of conceptual and contextual overlap here.

“Seams” are the boundary at which two articles of fabric are sewn together. “Seems” is the boundary at which our perception meets reality.

Magic is based on the manipulation of the “seems”. However, as with magic, what “seems” isn’t always “seamless” with what is true.

A big part of what it means to be a successful human being is learning to distinguish the misleading “seems” from the “seems” that lead to truth. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12 ESV)

How many times have I made poor decisions based on what seemed to be the case?

Countless.

“Seems” can be so compelling because they are often so emotional and our emotions are often so powerful.

I once heard someone say that, when it comes to our ability to predict the future, we humans give ourselves way too much credit. Faulty predictions leading to unwise choices are a death by “the seems”.

Ultimately, as a Jesus follower, when what seems to be a wise choice is different from the way of Jesus, I’m supposed to default to Jesus as the holder of what is true. If I can be transparent, there are times when the personal sacrifice of following Jesus doesn’t seem worth it. However, I know that in these cases the “seems” are always wrong. I have plenty of experience on either side of the equation to prove that last statement to be correct.

As a human being created in the image of God, I know that I have infinite value. 

If it ever seems different,  the “seems” are wrong. 

The world doesn’t revolve around me. 

If it ever seems different, the “seems” are most definitely wrong. 

Generosity leads the way to freedom from the tyranny of greed. 

If it ever seems different, then the “seems” are wrong. 

Purity begets clarity which enables relational intimacy.  

When it comes to this principle, culture is constantly trying to sell us on an alternative set of false “seems”. 

When I actually take a step back to examine its messaging, I’m not sure that culture provides us with any “seems” that are reliable. In the face of the proliferation of false “seems” it’s impossible to manage our “seems” well if we’re not intentionally feeding ourselves a healthy dose of the truth on a consistent basis.

So, I have two questions for you.

Think about the “seems” in your life that need managing. 

1. In which area does a misleading set of “seems” most threaten to lead you astray?

2. What would it look like for you to manage these “seems” well?