PERSPECTIVE

2 Corinthians 5:16

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

Perspective

The aspect in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed.

Capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance.

(Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary)

                We all come at life from a particular perspective. Our perspective is shaped by our life experiences. Over time we have formed filters, through which we pass information. We use these filters to interpret what we are seeing or hearing. Although we may share similar filters with others, there is a uniquely personal aspect to them. No one’s life experiences are exactly like someone else’s.

                Many years ago, I knew a man who worked as a counselor at a State hospital. His field was chemical dependency. Daily his life was filled with encounters with people who had become trapped in addictions that had ruined their lives. Consequently, he saw every situation through the perspective of chemical dependency.

                Throughout my many years of pastoral ministry, I have often been approached for financial assistance. In the vast majority of these incidents, the person on the other end of the line is a total stranger. Many of these individuals are not looking for help, they are looking for a hand-out. I have been verbally abused on many occasions when I tried to probe deeper or tried to explain why I could not help. These negative experiences have tainted my perspective. I tend to view those kinds of calls with skepticism.

                The Apostle Paul grew up as a devout Jew. By his own testimony, he was a Pharisee of the Pharisees. His perspective in life was shaped by his strong belief system. Because of this, Paul persecuted the followers of Jesus. He felt it was his duty to stamp out this new movement that threatened his position in life. Then, in an amazing encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), Paul’s perspective radically changed. Basically, overnight Paul changed from being a persecutor of the Church to a promoter of Jesus. From that point on, Paul interpreted his world through a new set of filters.

                In Haydn Shaw’s book Generational IQ, he makes the point that, in a general sense, each generation has been shaped by the major events of their childhood. These events have produced different perspectives in different generations. Those who grew up during the Great Depression and WWII view life through the perspective of thrift and duty. Those who grew up during the 60’s & 70’s were shaped by both progress and turmoil. It was a time of economic stability and advancement. It was also a time of social change and struggle. These people tend to view life through the perspective of hard work, competition, and individualism. The generations that have followed have been shaped by technology, economic boom and bust, and hyper-individualism. The perspective of each generation has been shaped by their life experiences.

                Recently, I have noticed that I am having more trouble reading under certain conditions. I need the help of reading glasses to be able to see things more clearly. One of the things about perspective is that it is never perfect. There is a flaw in everyone’s perspective. We all need some help to see things more clearly. To do this we need to dialog with each other. We need to listen to different perspectives without jumping to negative conclusions. We need to learn from one another.

                Above all, we need to have a radical change in our perspective like Paul’s; we need an encounter with Jesus. Because of the influence of sin in our lives, our perspective is distorted. We cannot see things as clearly as we should.

                There is a procedure available today that can radically improve a person’s eyesight. It is called Lasik. With the use of laser, a skilled surgeon can correct problems in the eye and restore sight. We all need spiritual Lasik. We need the Holy Spirit to remove the things that distort our perspective and help us to see things from a godly perspective. This does not mean that our perspective will always be perfect, but we will have a better understanding of things as they really are. We will begin to see things through the filter of God’s word and presence.

                One of the reasons we have the social struggles that we have today is that we are using a faulty perspective. We see other people as the problem, just as Paul did. The problem is not other people, it is sin. Sin in our life and in theirs. We need to change our perspective.

                In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul encourages us to view life from a radically different perspective. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

                We are in a spiritual battle. There is action that needs to be taken. Wrongs need to be righted. Negative situations need to be minimized. Ultimately, positive change will take place only after we have readjusted our perspective. We need to view others through the eyes of Jesus.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.