Perspective
by Malcolm Wood
I expect that most of us at one time or another have been surprised to discover how different an image of the countryside, a building, or an object appears when viewed from a different position or angle. A view taken just a short distance further on, or higher, can reveal such a different picture. Areas, structures, and objects that at first may look attractive and inviting, when viewed from a different position, can look completely different and may reveal potential dangers not visible before.
Life is very much like that. We tend to form impressions, make decisions, and take actions on our understanding of a situation. So often this is based only on our own perspective without trying to look at the matter from a different angle to obtain the bigger, more accurate picture.
As human beings we can’t help but look at things from a human point of view, as our verse reminds us. But, as Christians, we really need to train ourselves to look at things differently. As people of a ‘different spirit’, we need to be looking at things, situations, relationships, and world affairs through the eyes of a citizen of the kingdom of heaven.
It is so easy in these days of mass communication to be influenced by the world’s view of things. If we are not careful, we can live our lives according to the world’s precepts, patterns, and practices, which are often contrary to God’s. As Christians we need to be regularly reminding ourselves of who we are in Christ and seeking to get to know Him better, so we can discover what it is to look at things from His perspective.
In the world of surveillance, people use satellites and drones to obtain a better view of things from a higher position. Spiritually, Paul reminds us in Ephesians that we have the privilege of sitting with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). From this advantaged position we grow to know Christ better and begin to understand His mind for us and the world in which we live. Our view will be changed, and so will our lives.
If we are to change our perspective of things and develop one which is more godlike, we need to take heed of Paul’s words, ‘Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord’ (Ephesians 5:10) and ‘Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do’ (Ephesians 5;17).
It is important in these demanding and challenging times of relativity and compromise that we, as the people of God, stand firm on the truth of His word. We are to maintain a clear, well balanced, properly focussed perspective of things, asking for the help of the Holy Spirit to do so.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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