Two people can see the same event and take away completely different accounts. It’s an incredible truth about the human experience. It’s called “perspective”.
Two people can look at a glass filled half way with water. One believes it’s half full. The other believers it’s half empty.
Two people can look at a small sum in their bank accounts. One can have a panic attack, fearing that they are going broke. The other shouts for joy because they have had enough and a little bit more to live on.
Two people can look at a failed business. One can throw up their hands to never try again. The other starts something new and knows better what NOT to do next time.
Perspective is the lens by which we see and assess the truths of our experience and our life. It will primarily shape 3 things within you…
1. Your perspective will shape your understanding.
2. Your perspective will shape your attitude.
3. Your perspective will shape how you respond.
There is truly no better way to change your world or your relationships than by changing your perspective. When you do, you will change what you understand, your attitude, and how you respond.
As followers of Jesus, we are given some gifts to help shape our perspectives…the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and wise spiritual mentors.
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 (ESV)
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
Perspective is as important as the events that are being perceived. If we do not train ourselves to see with a better view, we are in danger of missing the real truth of the matter!
With a change of perspective, what was once frightening can become exciting.
Relationships that were once broken can be restored, again.
Uncertainty in a moment can become confidence.
Anxiety can be a rallying cry to action.
Perspective is powerful and there is no more powerful perspective than seeing as God sees. In fact, Jesus is constantly calling us to see from His perspective if we dare.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:16–17 (ESV)
May we see and hear as God does.
Pastor Mark
