It’s All About Perspective
We’ve all heard it said that everything we experience and how it affects us is ‘all about perspective.’ How many times have you wondered why two people, in the same situation, experiencing the same trial or blessing can have diametrically opposed reactions? Upon hearing the news that she has been rejected by Harvard Law School, Sally’s response is ‘Well, okay then! I’ll just have to apply for admission next term’ while Fred’s reaction is ‘Oh no! What am I going to do? My life is ruined.’
Perspective. Basically, the word means a point of view and the relation between points – yours and the life’s circumstances you are attempting to interpret. In this case, we are defining a perspective on the world – a worldview – that is biblical, influenced by God, in contrast to one that is cultural, shaped by the society of human interaction. Everyone has a worldview and it is as diverse as the societies that inhabit the earth, but these are truly the only two viewpoints we can take. God’s or man’s.
From humanity’s beginnings recounted in Genesis 3:1-6 when the serpent shows up and encourages Eve to take a different look and interpret ‘what did God really say?’ we see a cultural worldview established in contrast to what God had set forth. Drawing away from God’s guidance to seek comfort rather than growth lies at the core of every cultural worldview. We call ourselves a Christian nation here in America, and automatically assume our worldview is biblical, but the reality of our reputation in the world intrudes. Americans are perceived worldwide as arrogant, self-absorbed, entitled, and excessive and every one of these attributes speak of our personal comfort as opposed to our national growth.
There is a multitude of influence sources that work on shaping how we view life, and each is powerful in unique ways. Family and the ethos of our birthplaces; friends and teachers; news and entertainment; music and art; all inspire and motivate us to believe in something. It is up to us, as believers, in our own free will to choose the view that God wants us to have. And as usual, you gotta do the work!
Ask yourself, what it is you really want? Money and power? Fame and influence? Purpose and satisfaction? Home and family? Do you want to be the boss or the employee? Do you want to serve or be served? Do you want to know God? How about making Him known to the world? Here’s where the relation between points comes in – the perspective – and the starting ‘point.’ What you really desire is the foundation of your worldview and as a believer it is essential that we develop a biblical worldview if we ever want to ditch worry and doubt and fear and anger. When it is God who influences our perspective, not all the other worldly pressures, we experience the ‘freedom’ that we hear about in every sermon ever preached about Jesus Christ.
Take the time to prayerfully examine just what it is you really want. Give substance to the ideas you have about how you ‘look’ at the world. When you have a foundation, then you can take the next step – move to the next ‘point’ in this exercise – and compare your view with the biblical worldview established by God.
In the next blog in this series about worldview, we will look at a list of questions you can ask yourself about your perspective to evaluate God’s influence on your view and some practical suggestions on how to alter or refine your view to line up with God’s best plan for His people.
May God bless you today and encourage you in all you do!
