Imagine designing and constructing the Empire State building with measurements that were not accurate, but no one involved felt comfortable addressing the truth. How about mixing chemical compounds measured on a scale that was widely known to have not been calibrated? We would never accept such halfhearted imprecision.
However, despite our incredible ability to be accurate, we live in a time when nearly all things are thought to be relative. Right/wrong, accurate/inaccurate, true/false now have an emotional meaning rather than a simple truth. We are so acculturated to this relativism, that the very idea of calling something true or false has become uncomfortable. We tend to readily accept inaccurate and imprecise measurements of our value as people within our interpersonal relationships. We measure ourselves and each other against the world’s assessment that tells us we have value only insomuch as we produce. We make snap judgments about someone’s character and intentions, usually with only anecdotal evidence, perhaps based merely on a look they give us. We don’t say what we really mean, but dance around the truth. And, even when we do speak accurately, we are not clearly understood by others. We fail to ask clarifying questions, and continue with terribly imprecise assumptions. With our ability for exactness, why do we settle for being so often vague and mistaken with people?
It takes concentration, discipline, and work to be precise. Frankly it is easier to move along in life with inaccurate assumptions. It takes effort to ask for and listen to precise and accurate information. However, if we clearly see that precision and accuracy are important in constructing a skyscraper, or in chemical experiments, how much more important is this for how we relate with each other? Far more is at stake than the structural integrity of a building!
When we consider each other and ourselves, let us do so in a way that is both accurate and precise. Let us begin by calibrating our minds with the word of God. Let us remember that each and every person bears His image. May we be willing to do the work to know the truth. May we remain mindful that all people have value regardless of performance or what they produce, and this value warrants our full attention and effort to discern.
“’Close enough’ counts in horse shoes and hand grenades. For the rest you better be accurate.”
--Mom
Jeanne Wilks
Secondary Principal