Choices and Perspectives
I'm convinced one of the main factors that determines the quality of our life boils down to choices and perspective.
And there is no way to separate the two.
The choices we make are a reflection of the perspective we take.
Sometimes life throws us curveballs we can’t control and don't see coming, but we do decide how to react and how to view it.
We can choose to take a Heavenly perspective.
The often misinterpreted Philippians 4:13 sheds light on this. Paul says in verse twelve, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” And he wasn’t just being dramatic. Philippians is one of the letters he wrote while being imprisoned.
This “secret” he was referring to in verse twelve is why he then follows up in the next verse with, “I can do all this through Christ who strengthens me.”
So what is this secret? I’m convinced it points back to the previous statement in verses eight and nine… “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble…right, pure, lovely, admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned… put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
The pattern is clear in each of these instances. Paul leads with what we should think about. Then he ends it with what we should do. Our actions follow our thoughts. And if we choose to think then do as he instructs, we experience the gift of God’s peace.
This is also the same chapter where he cautions us not to be anxious about anything, but to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. After we choose that mindset, then he assures us that God’s ways transcend what we are even capable of thinking and that He will guard our hearts and minds.
We all know our hearts need to be guarded. Anyone who’s ever had a broken heart can attest to that. But how many of us realize our minds need guarding as well? God promises to do that for us, but it comes after we choose our perspective.
Will we choose anxiety or prayer and thanksgiving?
Will we choose to think of praiseworthy or worldly things?
If we will choose a Godly perspective, Godly peace and protection will permeate our lives. Not necessarily protection from curveballs thrown by a fallen world, but protection of our peace when the ball is crossing our homeplate.
But let it be clear, there will come a day when choice and perspective are no longer optional.
Philippians 2 tells us that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father. But leading up to that declaration, does it seem interesting it tells us to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”?
Regardless of what you choose during this lifetime, a day is coming when there will be no other choice but to acknowledge that Jesus is the supreme Lord of all, and all will bow a knee to him. When he is revealed in all of his glory, the perspective will be clear to everyone. He is God, and we will all revere him as such.
I pray you will choose Jesus before that day comes, though I believe it is coming soon.
I pray you get to experience his peace and protection during this lifetime.
I pray together we will take a Jesus perspective and that our choices will show it.
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