A Reliable Source of Perspective – - a podcast by David K Payne

In our last post, we talked about how dangerous it is to compare yourselves to others. But we all seek some sort of perspective in our lives. For most that perspective comes from a comparison to others by hearing their opinions and advice about what we are doing right or wrong. Though we can learn much from looking to others, there is a dependable source of perspective available to everyone, The Scripture. James in his writings refers to the word of God as a mirror that will reveal who we really are.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:22-25 NLT

An interesting thing about this verse is how misread this scripture is. Many use this scripture to wield control over others, asserting that their interpretation of the scripture is what people need to measure up to. The problem with this is that the written scripture becomes another tool in the hands of those who wish to condemn and control your life. Approaching scripture this way becomes misleading at best and destructive in most cases. My path is not your path… Consider this quote.

“After so many years struggling to keep up with you, I finally realized we’re not even running the same race.”

― Scott Stabile

 When I allow you to force your view of scripture on my life, it only reflects what you see in the word about yourself and cannot reveal what is inside of me. But when I allow the word to reflect what is inside of me, it is then that I can see the clearest perspective of who I am. The power of the word to show me myself is incredible.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-16 (NLT)

Another truth is that a mirror never condemns, it only reflects or reveals. It’s up to me what I do with it. When we compare ourselves to others and allow others to be the primary source of perspective, that perspective is generally filled with condemnation. In fact, if you feel condemned to the point you want to give up and quit, it is most likely not an accurate reflection of the word. In your search for an authentic life, confidently look into the word of God and begin to trust his spirit to help you make changes outside the arena of peer pressure, guilt, shame, and condemnation.

 Just Be

David

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