Either-Or

Or. It's a word I run into a lot lately.

Definition from Dictionary.com, Image from Microsoft Publisher

Whether it's in the media, heated discussions about hot button issues or high pressure sales from the overly beautiful sales reps at the mall kiosks. It almost always shows up when someone wants to pressure people into making a stand and in situations where it feels like pressure of ‘the Squeeze’ requires an immediate response. It can also show up in the questions I ask myself about life in both choices I have to make and when I’m looking for the ‘why’ behind the hard things in life.  It implies there are only two choices. Either this or that.

The problem with the word ‘or’ is the people presenting the choices ‘this or that’ are the ones defining the problem and influencing the answer. It implies they have a handle on what the situation is and therefore know the only possible options and that influences the outcome. The person on the receiving end of the choice presented by ‘or’ suddenly thinks those are the only two possibilities.

Illustration by W.W. Denslow

In a way the people who are presenting the choices are like a Las Vegas magician who says look over here when in reality his hands are working behind his back to do something else and then what you thought you were looking at is not the real trick at all. It's much like that scene in the Wizard of Oz when the wizard is flashing fireballs and thunderous responses pressuring Dorothy into thinking there is only one choice (run away) but then Toto runs behind the curtain exposing the carnival man pulling the levers and pushing the buttons. Suddenly Dorothy's perspective changes completely and with that she becomes aware of two things- she’s been manipulated and there are other choices she can make.

Yet not every ‘either-or’ question is a result of manipulating someone’s perspective. The ‘or’ can also come from a perspective limited by ignorance. It reminds me of a time the disciples asked Jesus, ‘Why is this guy blind? Is it because of his sin or his parents’ sin?'

Jesus’s response makes me think there's another problem with the word ‘or’ - it limits perspective. And maybe for humans that limited perspective is true sometimes but the funny thing about Jesus is he has a very different perspective on the problems we face.  He sees what we don’t see when we are faced with what we fear, don’t understand or what hurts us.

When Jesus was faced with that ‘why’ question by the disciples they thought there were only two possible root issues. Either, or. What happens when you choose to not be limited by the word ‘or’? Jesus replies with another small, powerful word- but.  His response is not to answer their limited question, rather he shines a light on the bigger meaning of the man’s life and God’s purpose in it. He explains the ‘but’ that matters most because we want to know the ‘why’ before we make a choice.

Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:3-5, ESV, emphasis added)

He focuses on what is eternal instead of the temporary. They're looking for a situation that can be resolved and explained by man but he is looking at it and saying, “Hey, I'm God. I see what you can't see. I see your real need and I see what's really important.” The ‘but’ that matters most is that the light of God’s glory shines in a dark world so more people can know Him before it is too late

So now, when I'm faced with 'either-or' decisions I find myself looking for the 'but'. Sometimes that means taking a step back looking for the sleight of hand and the man behind the curtain. More often it means asking myself, 'What does Jesus see that I don't? And how can I bring hope and light before the day ends?'

Who is Heather M. Flood word association-
Need? Coffee.
Love? Jesus.
Need? Okay, Jesus first then coffee.
Purpose? Love God, love people.