Perspective

Sometimes we just need a good dose of Perspective, amen?

So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is 

seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.   2 Corinthians 4:18 

Almost without fail, every time I get a case of the "poor me's" or discouragement or a desire to turn in my 2 weeks notice, it is because I have shifted my focus to what is seen (in the moment) instead of what is unseen.

Keeping an eternal perspective brings all of life back into a working rhythm. Things make sense. Decisions seem more clear. Energy is refocused. Motivation returns. Strength is renewed.

It is craziness, pure insanity, to live our 80 years on this earth as if that's all that there is. It's normal to live for the moment, or if you're a real planner, for 10 years from now. Normal, but not wise.

Can you find yourself in one of these scenarios?

• It feels like a huge sacrifice to give extravagantly toward kingdom causes when we're focused on this life. We may not be able to buy that new piece of furniture or take that vacation if we give this money. And for the moment, that hurts. But in light of eternity, that new piece of furniture suddenly seems very insignificant. I don't think I'm going to be missing that leather couch when I'm walking on streets of gold.

• The thought of opening your home to a foster child or adopting a child feels like too much when you consider the disruption it will likely cause to your family. But when we refocus our thoughts to remember that God never intended this life to be about our comfort, the thought of giving a human being who is broken and hurting a chance at life and relationship with God seems like a commitment we're more willing to make.

• Inviting our friends to church or initiating spiritual conversations with family members who are far from God feels risky and awkward...until you refocus on "that which is unseen." The sobering reality that every person we know, love, or brush shoulders with will spend all of eternity in heaven or in hell motivates us beyond our own discomfort to share the hope that we have. 

Just because you can't see something doesn't make it any less real. It makes it easy to forget about, but it is real, nonetheless. More real than I think I have any concept of. There are things that matter so much more (and for so much longer) than this life on earth.

What are you frustrated or worried about today that has no/very little eternal value? Time for a perspective change!