Followers of Christ Perspective is a Vital Key for Success
Life is more about how we view what we are going through,than what we are actually going through. Our perspective and outlook on a situation will often dictate our response to what we are experiencing. When we view life’s problems through the lens of God’s word we realize that what is actually happening to us is nothing strange, but how we respond to the matter is of the utmost importance!
1 Peter 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. NIV
When Christ followers go through fiery ordeals we are not to set up a pity party for ourselves thinking we are the only onesexperiencing such hardship. Our focus should not be on ourselves and all that we are going through. Instead, our focus should be outward toward the betterment of others and to bring glory to God in that situation, and not let self be the main focus. We can rejoice when we view our troubles as instruments of God, being used for others to see God through us, and to see how the followers of Christ react. Our response should bemuch different than the world’s way.
Because sin is in the world, everyone will experience problems. But instead of living without hope, in fear of lack, sickness or death, our hope is in Jesus and His saving grace. As mature followers of Christ, we have our hope rooted in the promises of God, that is why it is so important to know the word of God and His promises.
Psalms 43:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. NIV
1 John 1:2-3 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. NIV
Our perspective is us living this life before others as children of God, with an outward focus of what He is doing for others through us, and not just what Christ is doing for us or in us. The kingdom of God has an outward perspective, Christ gave of Himself that we might receive. Jesus gave His life that we may have eternal life and He became poor that we might be made rich.
2 Corinthians 8:8-9 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. NIV
Mature followers of Christ operate with an outward perspective, realizing much of what we go through is not just for ourselves and our sake alone. But it is for all who we engage in this life so that they may learn and see how true followers of Christrespond according to the principles of God’s kingdom on earth.
1 Corinthians 1:11 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Many people have a conceptual knowledge of Jesus. In their intellect He is a person who existed and did great miracles. Some people believe that He is a God who will save them in the future but have little hope in Him for their daily matters and concerns. God wants a personal intimate relationship with us as a loving Father, a Rescuer, a Deliverer, a Provider and Protector, and He is the One who gave His only Son to be our Bridegroom. Our relationship with Jesus should be like that of a loving spouse of many years and a love so endearing that we would know and recognize His voice when He speaks.
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. NIV
Jesus’ love for us is so engaging and unending that we, in our mental belief, should commit ourselves to Him willingly, andforsake and abandon everything that is not in line with Him and His word. We should commit ourselves morally to His way of life with confidence and refuse to compromise with anything that is apart from Him.
This fallen world’s perspective is one of an inward self-centered, self-focused and totally consumed with the concern for self. As followers of Christ, we are to live life with an outward perspective so that we can view this life as a journeythat God has allowed us to participate in for His kingdom work and His glory on the earth. No matter what we are going through if the focus is on self, it will always be hard. However,if we focus on His word and His promises to us, we will knowthat whatever He has promised He will do and because we know God’s word we have His Hope in us.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
1 Corinthians 7:17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
As followers of Christ our perspective should show that weknow God is the master engineer, He is orchestrating situations and circumstances and that we can trust Him to work theseproblems out for our good and His Glory. This understanding is essential and a vital key for us to persevere through difficult times with hope knowing that no matter what, “we will win in the end.”
Jeremiah 1:19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.NIV
Integrity- People of God 