Perspective In The Valley Sample

A Dragonian Treasure

In the Narnia series, Eustace stumbles upon a dragon’s treasure and decides to adorn himself with it. When he does, it unleashes a spell that puts him to sleep. When he wakes up, he has transformed into the very dragon the treasure represents. A particular golden armband, which fits very nicely on a human boy, is now so tight it is hurting Eustace The Dragon. He is in excruciating pain and desperate to break the spell.

False perception plays tricks on us. It whispers lies, suggesting we grab “dragon treasure” without mentioning the negative consequences. Preying on our fears and our tendency toward dissatisfaction, our perception can take us on quests for treasures that just as readily ensnare as redeem us.

In the book of Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us that there is no temptation we will face that someone else has not faced. We are not alone. This is so important for all of us to understand: We are never alone. God is with us and He is faithful. Paul says, “All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” Let’s hold on to this promise as we walk through the valleys of life. 

Choosing a true perspective allows us to see the value within our current state of affairs. It opens us up to the possibility of the present. We are too addicted to the idea that our best choices are one day, one circumstance, one setting away. That if something were to change, if we could just find a treasure or a shortcut or a secret answer, all would be suddenly and magically well. As a dragon, Eustace learns the value of himself as a boy. He longs to own the influence and identity he so long took for granted. The circumstance he most hated led to his salvation from “dragon-hood.” 

External treasures are a mirage. The value you are looking for is within the person God created you to be. The secret discovery is internal; it has been staring you in the face your entire life. A true perspective can see even dragonish circumstances as opportunities to unlock the greatest treasure you’ll ever encounter - living a meaningful life from the fountain of your true identity as a new creation in Christ.