Realigning Our PerspectiveSample

The Power of Perspective 

From the ages of 3 to 8 I lived in Chicago. I spoke with an American accent, and I liked football (the kind you play with your hands). My family then moved to Nairobi, where I quickly picked up a Kenyan accent and fell in love with football (the kind you actually play with your feet). The point: Change of environment means a change of perspective. Perspective is a powerful thing.

David’s advantage when facing Goliath was not his size. It was his perspective. The advantage of Joshua and Caleb when facing the giants was not their strength. It was their perspective. Perspective is always the byproduct of the environment. I didn’t speak American in Kenya; I didn’t speak Shang in America. The same Peter who denied Jesus three times out of fear boldly preached on the day of Pentecost. Same person, different environment!

What is your perspective? From what environment are you approaching the challenges you are facing? Jesus told Martha in Luke 10:41, “Martha, Martha… you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  

• Worried = concerned about what is yet to happen.  
• Upset = concerned about what has already happened. 

Notice that Jesus said, “Mary has chosen…” It tells me that we cannot choose perspective, but we can choose the environment. Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to everything He said. Mary wasn’t worried and upset about many things.

Life Application

Make time for Jesus every day. He is with us by His Spirit. He changes perspective, and perspective is a powerful thing. You might even start playing football.

Prayer

Jesus, I choose Your environment.