Ready for Change?
What one change could you make that would radically, powerfully and positively transform your life?
If you are are honest with yourself, and if you possess some level of self-awareness, you likely have identified a number of things you would like to change about yourself. Maybe it’s a part of your personality or temperament you wish was different. It might be some bad habit that you haven’t been able to shake that you desperately want to overcome. Perhaps it is a certain relationship pattern that sabotages your friendships. What’s on your list?
While we all need change, there is one change that should be at the top of our list. The pay-off is huge, if we will change this one thing.
This one thing is “perspective.” A change in our perspective is a priority worthy of our pursuit because perspective has power over our attitudes, emotions and motivation. The wrong perspective drains resources from us while the right perspective fuels us.
It was a wrong perspective that caused the Israelites to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. A negative perspective kept many of these men and women out of the Promised Land. It was the right perspective that caused David to see a great opportunity for God when everyone else only saw the giant Goliath. It was a wrong perspective that caused a wealthy young man to dismiss Jesus’ instructions and invitation that would have given him eternal life.
"Perspective makes a big difference!
The New Testament book of Philippians is a great lesson in perspective. The Apostle Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this letter under some very adverse circumstances. During the latter years of his life, he was incarcerated in the Mamertine prison in Rome for preaching the Gospel. According to some reports, the sewage of the city flowed beneath the prison and the sight and sound of sewer rats were ever present.
In the heat and stench of this situation, chained to 2 soldiers continually, Paul was faced with an even greater challenge — how would he choose to look at his current lot in life — what would be his perspective?
Without a hint of phoniness or super-spirituality, but genuinely and sincerely, Paul declared his perspective:
“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped spread the Good News.” — Philippians 1:12 (NLT)
Instead of moaning, groaning and complaining about the “unfair” situation he was in, Paul choose a different perspective. He saw it as something God was using to advance His Kingdom purpose. This changed everything. Instead of penning a note of gloom and despair, he was able to write what has come to be known as “the letter of joy,” all because of choosing the right perspective.
What’s the one thing we need to change that will make the biggest and best impact in our lives? Perspective!
Choose to change your perspective. You will be amazed at all the other great changes that will follow!
Dale O'Shields
For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
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