“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).
A VERY CLOSE FRIEND OF MINE was reflecting on his business and his life circumstances. He wrote the following note: “I am in a problem business. I live by circumstances like my dad did. If the drawer was full of cash, he was happy; if not, he was a tyrant. Instead of being an oppressor, I medicate my pain and I feel bad. I have a huge problem; I am in a problem business. I need to love problems, eat them up; that is the value I bring.”
We live our lives based on our perception of reality. My encouragement to him was to set his mind on things above, to look at his life and daily issues the way God looks at him.
1. Our lives are all about perspective. Where we focus, so shall we live. We can focus on the ups and downs of circumstances or on the unchanging character of God. Our emotions follow our perspective. “Let God’s promises shine on your problems” (Corrie Ten Boom).
2. The size of our problems are inversely proportional to the size of our God. Do not say to God, “Look at how large are my problems. Yet rather say to your problems look at the size of my God.” God will be your strength to work through the challenges of life.
3. Remind yourself that you are already victorious. Satan wants to tell you are losing. You have already won. Take hold of what you possess in Christ—you are a child of the King.
4. View your problems in light of the vision or cause that you are giving your life to. If you are living your life for God’s glory, in spite of your problems the hope of attaining your vision will motivate you to persevere. It has been said, “If a man has a ‘why’ to live for, he can handle almost any ‘how.’” Our vision gives new light to our struggles.
5. Return to simplicity. When we view life and circumstances as complicated, we rush around trying to fix our problems. Simplicity allows us to rest in God’s control. It helps keep us out of the weeds and complexity of everyday living.
“There is a vast difference in the point of view from which circumstances are regarded. If they come between us and God they may hide God from us; if He comes between us and them, He may hide them from us.” — A. T. Pierson
BW
Purchase the Entire Devotional – “Experiencing Christ as Life and Leader”
The devotion above was taken from the 52-week Devotional entitled “Experiencing Christ as Life and Leader”.
Many give a mental assent to this teaching yet are often asking, “What do I do? What does Christ as life look like?“ Too often Christians err by moving too far to one side or the other—reducing the Christian life to a list of do’s and don’ts, or they actually do nothing.
These inspiring weekly devotions are just some of the actions that reflect the life of Christ in each of us, and they explore four areas as we follow the One Leader, Jesus Christ –
- A Foundational Focus
- A Personal Focus
- A Relational Focus
- A Missional Focus
Be challenged, encouraged, and spurred on to a deeper walk with Christ.
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