Our Perspective Matters

I heard a story about two boys who grew up in the same home with an alcoholic and abusive father. Adulthood took them down separate paths with differing priorities and life decisions.

Many years later, both men participated in the same psychological study, though each did it separately. In-depth interviews with each one showed just how different they had become. One would have nothing to do with alcohol and had become an upstanding and well-respected citizen in his community. The other had followed his father's example and become an alcoholic.

When asked what factors influenced each brother's lifestyle, both men returned the same answer, "I watched my father."

Two boys, same dad, two different perspectives. Our perspective in life will determine our destination.

I’ll admit, it's not always easy to have a positive perspective, but it's necessary. It's needed. Unfortunately, sometimes we mirror our thoughts after what those around us tell us. Instagram stories, entertainment hosts, friends, the list goes on. l've learned that these challenging times are the very moments when we need to shift our perspective. Instead of focusing on the storm around us, we should focus on the One who can calm the storm. It's in these moments we need to reach out for God.

God is not only our refuge and strength, but He also provides a light in the darkest times, a beacon of hope when everything seems hopeless. He has the power to change our perspective. He can give us a new lens to look at life through. Instead of seeing problems, we can see opportunities for growth. Instead of seeing defeat, we can see victory in Christ. Instead of being bitter, we can be better.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18