Having a Proper Perspective
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14.1
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6.33
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14.1
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6.33
I don’t believe we are born with perspectives but I do believe that we develop some soon after birth. The newborn baby’s first perspective considers the thought that by screaming he can have something to soothe his pain. When he’s cold, he screams. When he’s lonely, he screams. When no one notices he’s awake, he screams to get someone’s attention.
Unfortunately, some grownups never get past that level of immaturity. When they see something they want, they may use more sophisticated methods of screaming – like, giving a spouse the “silent treatment,” or withholding physical affection. The longer a couple is together, the more adept they are at this type of manipulation. It may not come as a scream, but rather a whimper. Nevertheless, the silent scream is there and is heard loudly by the intended victim.
Why do we do such things? Are we knowingly or innocently attempting to manipulate someone into meeting our needs (which may not be needs at all, but rather comforts and delicacies). What leads us to this sad situation of manipulating others is based upon our personal perception of life and eternity. So, how do we change our perception from a self-serving one to a Spirit-filled one?
When confronting His disciples in John 14, Jesus began by telling them that they needed a proper view of God. Jesus quickly shifted the discussion from earth to heaven. He said that we must believe in God who is the One preparing us our eternal home. By shifting the conversation heaven-ward, the things of earth become more increasingly dim. God is the Owner of the eternal house in which we shall reside.
He further points His disciples toward trusting in Him as the One building the house. Jesus would not only not leave them comfortless, but He would personally return to earth, collect His family and return to a glorious inheritance which He will share with His people.
Our great problem in life is that our perspective develops as we age – as influences flood our sphere of reality, we adopt a perception similar to those influences. We tend to become like those with whom we associate and our perceptions mirror our thoughts. And, our minds are bent in the direction of our instructors and associates. In other words, what is in our hearts spills out through our life’s decisions. (Proverbs 23.7)
Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth; however, we must know the truth in order to make right decisions and to act in accordance with that truth. Many Christians base their decisions on information gleaned from the world. This should not be so. We should not be making decisions based upon worldly philosophies or theories. We must stand squarely upon the Word of God for His perspective is the only one that matters.
Unfortunately, some grownups never get past that level of immaturity. When they see something they want, they may use more sophisticated methods of screaming – like, giving a spouse the “silent treatment,” or withholding physical affection. The longer a couple is together, the more adept they are at this type of manipulation. It may not come as a scream, but rather a whimper. Nevertheless, the silent scream is there and is heard loudly by the intended victim.
Why do we do such things? Are we knowingly or innocently attempting to manipulate someone into meeting our needs (which may not be needs at all, but rather comforts and delicacies). What leads us to this sad situation of manipulating others is based upon our personal perception of life and eternity. So, how do we change our perception from a self-serving one to a Spirit-filled one?
When confronting His disciples in John 14, Jesus began by telling them that they needed a proper view of God. Jesus quickly shifted the discussion from earth to heaven. He said that we must believe in God who is the One preparing us our eternal home. By shifting the conversation heaven-ward, the things of earth become more increasingly dim. God is the Owner of the eternal house in which we shall reside.
He further points His disciples toward trusting in Him as the One building the house. Jesus would not only not leave them comfortless, but He would personally return to earth, collect His family and return to a glorious inheritance which He will share with His people.
Our great problem in life is that our perspective develops as we age – as influences flood our sphere of reality, we adopt a perception similar to those influences. We tend to become like those with whom we associate and our perceptions mirror our thoughts. And, our minds are bent in the direction of our instructors and associates. In other words, what is in our hearts spills out through our life’s decisions. (Proverbs 23.7)
Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth; however, we must know the truth in order to make right decisions and to act in accordance with that truth. Many Christians base their decisions on information gleaned from the world. This should not be so. We should not be making decisions based upon worldly philosophies or theories. We must stand squarely upon the Word of God for His perspective is the only one that matters.
Copyright © 2026 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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