What is your perspective?

When you turn on your TV or pick up the local newspaper, it is almost certain that you will find something about the current global crisis. One newsflash will offer a very grim report on what is currently going on, another will offer a supposed word of hope ... “This crisis will not last forever!” Honestly, a lot of what comes from the mainstream media can be confusing. One reporter will say one thing and another will say something that is a total contradiction to the words of the first reporter! Whose voice do we listen to really? Can we fully trust, with 100% confidence, what is being brought to us by the media? Wouldn’t you agree that much of what we are being fed has some kind of bias to it?

It can be frustrating sometimes. And in all honesty, what is seen on TV and/or read in the newspaper can actually be downright discouraging, depressing, and even frightening. Where is the hope?! … the assurance in this world?! However (and that‘s a BIG however), isn’t it all a matter of having the proper perspective? Perspective is definitely key. Doesn’t it come down to what we are ultimately leaning upon, when trying to determine our assurance here and in the world to come? What this author is referring to is absolute and knowable truth, which comes directly from our God. This is our hope! … our assurance! Sadly to say, however, “truth” is becoming all too unpopular in this post-modern generation in which we are currently in. When you make claim to knowing the truth, and especially when you make definitive statements, such as, “There is only one true and living God, His Son Jesus Christ is the Truth, His Spirit leads His people into all truth, and the Bible is God’s voice of truth,” you are waging war against a large majority that proclaims “truth is only relative!”

In spite of anything, we need to remember that we are Christians in this world, with a proper perspective … an eternal perspective! This temporary dwelling place is in the midst of kingdoms which will one day have an end. The Kingdom in which we belong to is far different, high above all kingdoms, a Kingdom which is without end. As Christians we are never to place our hope in any kingdom other than the Lord’s, and we are not to put our confidence in any man other than the Lord who became man. Who do we listen to concerning this crisis then, or any crisis? Of course, our Lord … His voice. Our blessed assurance is found in His words. They are more sure and certain than anyone’s. Pick up the Bible … God‘s voice of truth. It will give you the answers you need.

But let’s say that somehow the mainstream media became honest in all of its reporting, without any contradictions! Wow! On top of that, what if all of the major kingdoms of the world started joining hand-in-hand and singing some pretty song in one accord. What then? These things, or anything mankind can muster, should not change our perspective. God’s word is clear, “[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalms 118:8) Our affection is to be set on things above, our perspective is to always remain on God’s Kingdom. Paul put it this way:

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
(Colossians 3:1-4)

Whatever crisis you face in life, perhaps even at this moment, be comforted by the Lord Himself. His words were written for our comfort, you know? “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) The old nature may desire to get downright discouraged, depressed, or frightened in different circumstances. Don’t let things in this present world move you, Christian! What is your perspective? Remember your King, remember His Kingdom, and always listen to and lean upon what Jesus has said. (Our Father said, “This is my beloved Son: hear him.”) This is the safest place you will ever be.

Our God is our Refuge,

One Clay Soldier among many