God’s Binoculars

As typical human beings, we are often preoccupied with the matters of our day-to-day lives. In some ways, that is natural and understandable. However, if we are Christians, then we need to see our lives through spiritual binoculars as well.

Binoculars bring objects that are far away into closer focus. Similarly, our Christian binoculars bring the spiritual realm and its concerns into our focus. As Colossians says, ‘things above’ should be in clearer focus than ‘earthly things’. In the rat race of life, how do we achieve this?

My life has been revolutionised since the day I was challenged to ask myself three questions about earthly matters. Firstly, ‘Is this of eternal value?’ about what I was spending my time on. Secondly, ‘Is this a matter of life or death?’ about any of my worries or concerns. Thirdly, ‘Is this glorifying to God?’ about any thought, feeling or behaviour of mine.

An example concerning the first question could be about watching TV daily for hours on end, rather than spending time with my family, God or my friends. Conversely, if I am perhaps feeling bored playing with my child and wish to relax in peace and quiet for a while, then the first question reminds me that what I am doing is indeed of great eternal value since I am filling my child’s need for love, and building a solid relationship.

When work pressures increase to frantic stress levels, then I need to ask the second question, ‘Is this a matter of life and death?’ The truth is that it practically never is. God has used this to balance my approach to work and has taught me to maintain my composure in the face of many seeming crises.

Times when I need to ask the third question, ‘Is this glorifying to God?’ could include when I am tempted to lose my temper and shout at other people, when I grumble and complain about something, when I want to express my frustration at not getting my own way, when I am abrupt due to work stress, when I am tempted to criticise, or to worry about money … the list goes on.

These three questions really put everything into God’s perspective for me. My challenge to you is to ask these same questions in your own life. I have found that it actually decreases much of my stress and always brings my focus back to God.

Prayer: Thank You, Father God, that Your ways are higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:8). Holy Spirit, please remind me when I need to pick up God’s binoculars so I can see things from His perspective. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.