Vertical and Horizontal
by C.A. Phillips
I said to myself, “Look, I am better educated than any of the kings before me in Jerusalem. I have greater wisdom and knowledge.” So I worked hard to be wise instead of foolish—but now I realize that even this was like chasing the wind. For the more my wisdom, the more my grief; to increase knowledge only increases distress.
Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 (TLB)
It seems as though I spend more time pondering things as I grow older. I believe we all do that as we gain more wisdom through life experiences...or, as my wife might say, "getting old." I have what I call "Ecclesiastes moments." It's those realizations that so much in this life is meaningless. As the writer of the Book of Ecclesiastes says, "a chasing after the wind."Sometimes I overhear mindless conversations, and I think to myself, "Are you kidding? There's nothing better to talk about than THAT?" Or, when I scroll through Instagram, and wonder, "Why in the world would someone post THIS?" This list could be endless, and you can probably come with your own list pretty easily.You're likely to become cynical about the human race if you just left it there. You can become an old codger rather quickly if you only see things through your own lenses. We foolishly believe our way must be the very best way! I think back on a great marriage retreat my wife and I attended. It was led by Walt and Patti Wiley, and was entitled, "How to Make Your Spouse More Like You, So You'll Both be Perfect." This is how many marriages begin - and end.Instead of focusing on the seemingly inane conversations, or the mindless social posts, we can instead reflect on how we can make a difference in our own sphere of influence. We can see the opportunities we have to speak edifying words, offer acts of kindness, and love our neighbors. Rather than scoff at the wisdom others may lack in certain areas, we can use it as fuel to show others there's another way - perhaps a better way.In his book Living on the Ragged Edge, author and pastor Charles Swindoll talks about living horizontally vs. living vertically. When we live horizontally, we get caught up in what everyone else is doing, and we live our lives worried about what everyone else thinks. It's the "chasing after the wind," vanity of vanities," the fleeting "vapor."But, there's an alternative. Vertical living. It's when we choose to look UP rather than only looking out. When God's thoughts consume ours. When His ways become what our hearts yearn for, rather than what's popular. Of course, the danger here is to only look up and never look out. Then, we can become hard-hearted. We think we have it all together. Pious, prideful, perfect.So, we need both. We need to look up to connect with God. And, we need to look out to see how we can serve and love others.Ultimately, Jesus is our best example. He rose early to commune with his Heavenly Father (vertical), then spent his days preaching, teaching, loving, and serving others (horizontal) - without being consumed with what was popular.Are you too caught up in culture? Overly concerned with what others will think? You may need to look UP!Are you jaded, contemptuous, pumped up with pride? You may need to look IN first and check your heart. Then look OUT to see how others are hurting, and how you can make a difference!SUBSCRIBE TO "OVER THE HUMP" DEVOTIONAL
C.A. Phillips is a lifelong sports enthusiast and youth baseball coach, and currently serves as the Communications Pastor and Director of Men's Groups at NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, Ga. He lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and his two sons, Chaz and Chandler.
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