Perspective
Cambridge definition: n. "a particular way of considering something"
Has it ever occurred to you that you may be a prisoner of your own perspective?
It might not be a comforting thought but it could be a sobering one. Let’s briefly consider this weighty word three different ways: as it relates to others, as it relates to ourselves and as it relates to God.
Do you balk at the expression “truth is relative?” I do, particularly if it implies “what’s true for you is your truth and what’s true for me is mine.” What then is absolute? The world would say there are no absolutes. Everything is relative.
As Christians we believe God is the source of all Truth. As we relate to each other, we might differ in the ways we understand that Truth but that’s where dialogue is key, particularly dialogue in a respectful setting. The point isn’t to agree on every subject but healthy discussion sharpens our viewpoint and widens our perspective.
As for self-perspective, consider the expression “if we could see ourselves as others see us.” Though no one can totally know everything there is to know about another human, especially their inner most thoughts, it’s helpful and even healthy to know how others view us. We can be our own worst critic and heavily weight our shortcomings against our strengths, constantly feeling we never measure up. The reverse can also be true; we can have too elevated a view of ourselves and refuse to take criticism or acknowledge our weaknesses. Both extremes can leave us with a distorted view of who we are.
The view that counts most and has the potential to set us free is God’s view. And though we can never fully know or handle God’s perspective, we can always stand to have God widen our own perspective.
Do you know how God views you? What He thinks of you and wants for you? Read the verses below for a few clues.
What view do you hold that might need rethinking? We all have blindsides so there are things we cannot see. You do not know what you do not know. The good news – God is omniscient and delights to reveal Truth to each of us. Take some time to sit with God and ask that your mind be illumined with Truth. Pay attention to what surfaces for you. Sift it. Work with it. Don’t be too quick to act on it. Sit with it for a while. Talk to God about it. Hold it loosely and trust God to clarify your thoughts in due time.
When we yield our will, God is faithful to widen our perspective.
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”
Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8-9
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
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To read more of Cathy's writing, go to her website at cathyfortleyland.com