A Matter of Perspective

What Is Your Perspective?

Perspective: 1.) a way of regarding situations, facts, etc., and judging their relative importance; 2.) a mental view or outlook; 3.) the ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance.

All three definitions are accurate. One, however, contains within it a vitally important element that sets it apart from the other two. Did you notice it? Take another look.

The first definition can lead to an incorrect conclusion while the second often stubbornly claims those conclusions to be true; “don’t confuse me with the facts; my mind is made up!”

“Perceiving things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance” is quite different. There is a certain responsibility alluded to. It is as if some “achievement” were attained allowing the individual to separate inconsequential influences from reality.
This allows such an individual to proceed through life unobstructed by fear. It renders the, “what if” influences powerless.

You ask what is meant by, “what if” influences?

Imagine a long plywood plank lying flat on the ground. Let’s give it some “facts” to add to our analogy. The plank is thirty-foot long, twelve inches wide and two inches thick. It’s a sizable piece of wood. Now imagine standing at one end of the plank while at the other end rests a $20.00 bill. All you have to do is walk upon the plank from one end to the other to pick it up - and it is yours! Simple enough, right? Now let’s modify the circumstances slightly. Let’s say we place the same plywood plank between two buildings. There are a few additional facts to consider. The buildings are separated by twenty-feet. We have maneuvered the plank to the ledges of two opposing windows, eighty-five feet above the ground. You stand in the window of one building and directly across from you, at the end of the suspended plank, rests a $100.00 bill. Oh, one more fact, there is a slight breeze so we’ve placed a weight on the bill - just in case there is a slight gust. All you have to do is walk upon the plank from one end to the other and pick it up - it’s yours!

Notice how your perspective has changed?

Perspective can be a powerful tool. It can provide a “last moment glimpse” of potential consequence outweighing potential gain. Becoming personally responsible for others, causes our perspective to be all the more panoramic. We recognize the influence our actions have upon their lives. We proceed - or decide not to proceed - based upon what we perceive to be in their best interests.

Perspective can be debilitating. The fear of what might happen can render an individual isolated from their potential. A victim of life and life’s inequities, this individual perceives no destiny and sadly remains locked in time, never to risk, never to enjoy the thrill of success or the grit that comes from a goal attempted - but “not yet” attained.

Do the Scriptures give us any insight about perspective? Indeed they do!

“Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” - Ephesians 1:2-4

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” - 
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows [presently] grace and favor and [in the future] glory - honor, splendor and heavenly bliss! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” - Psalms 84:11

The pages of the Scriptures are filled with promises from the lips of God to listening ears and open hearts. Each, however, appears to have a condition. That condition is included for our benefit, for our spiritual growth and discernment. The condition? In all our ways acknowledge Him, trust in the Lord and walk uprightly.

King David writes:

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” - Psalms 119:105

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” - Psalm 138:8
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:6

“Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ..." - Ephesians 1:18-23

It’s a new day! It’s a new day with new opportunities! It’s a wonderfully significant day in your life!

“THIS is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!” - Psalms 118:24

So, why not change the, “what if” influence to the, “SINCE, THEREFORE” influence. SINCE He loves you so and gave Himself for you, THEREFORE now there is no condemnation to to those who are in Christ Jesus and to those who are called according to His purpose.

God bless!