Negative Space

I was watching the news and a reporter was interviewing a gentleman who had on a t-shirt that at first look like it had some kind of computer generated Hebrew or Mandarin characters written across his chest. Then for some reason I squinted my eyes a little and the negative space revealed the name of Jesus. Our natural point of reference is to look at the positive space in our field of view. One way of saying this might be that we see the foreground before we see the background or in terms of movement we see the active before the inactive. In general we are drawn to those things that signal for our attention either by their prominence, actions, color or dominant voice. However, it is the negative space, the background, and the harmony that brings beauty to the horizon and richness and texture to make the common art. I believe that the magnificence of Jesus is in how he fills the background of life. Life with Jesus is not about center stage or slick presentation… it’s “if anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all (Mark 9:35).” In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus cautions us, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them… do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do… do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Matthew 6:1-3).” Spirit led lives produce not flashy gold star routines but servant hearted values like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (cf. Galatians 5:22,23).

So how do I become a better background player? It starts with paying attention to details. No…not like the Pharisees and teachers of the Law that dissected, parsed and deflated God’s will of its Spirit but rather a sympathetic awareness of your surroundings. Such produces not squeaky wheels and soapbox complainers but those who look for opportunity to offer a cup of cold water, wash travel tired feet and creatively find ways to fill a need! Because you’re committed to living in the background your anonymity allows you to hear and see the real world instead of the scripted and sanitized politeness of superficial living. Thus you not only pay attention to details but you are able to be still and know that He is God. That is, you can become a gentle answer to turn away wrath or iron that sharpens iron as you keep the focus not only the problem or the players but on the Creator.

In a sense there’s nothing negative about living in the background space where Jesus spends His time. It’s the most positive thing you can do to mature faith and conform to the image of Christ! -DAN