A Different Perspective

There are times when I’m so engrossed in a situation that I can’t see a way to solve the issue. If I step back and look at it from a different perspective, I can usually work through it. There is almost always a different perspective. As I walk through the Word of God, I’m learning that there are many alternative perspectives from which to view most situations. There is my view based on past experience or simply seeing what I see. Then there is God’s view and He see’s past the exterior and goes right to the heart of the situation.

God’s perspective is clear when Samuel is sent to the home of Jesse from Bethlehem. He is to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next King of Israel. The Lord is clearly in charge and Samuel is being obedient to Him. When Samuel sees the first son, he things that this is the one. I’m sure he’s rugged, handsome and probably bold in appearance. The Lord made it clear that this wasn’t the chosen one. If fact the Lord reveals how He’s searching for a leader. Check this out…

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)

I must confess that when I shower, shave and get dressed to show houses today that I’m going to look in the mirror to make sure my appearance is as good as I can be. (I only have so much to work with! LOL) I do want to make a good first impression. I think what’s more important is that I’m taking time to let the Lord work on my heart. He’s is way more concerned with my devotion to His Way and His Word than my receding hairline or expanded mid-section. The Lord examines my heart all the time. In fact I don’t think there’s a moment that goes by that’s He letting slip by. One of the things I’ve noticed about my heart is that it’s flawed. I still allow sin to slip in and the Lord helps me push it right back out.

I’m pretty sure that people have passed judgment on my motives and decisions that I’ve made in the past. I’m probably not always right, but I sure try to be. I welcome any discussion about what I’m doing or why I’m doing it. I know that the Lord is holding me accountable for my “heart condition”. I welcome His work in me even though at times it’s difficult. I believe it’s the most important work I can do while I’m on this earth. My heart is His home. I would rather look like a pauper with a good heart than look incredibly successful with a diseased heart.

“Here’s my heart Lord – speak what is true!” (Here’s My Heart by David Crowder)

Pressing On!

Dwayne