8-6-23 Follow-up

Sunday Follow-up
2 Corinthians 4 – “Why perspective matters?”

Perspective is how we choose to see things and our attitudes toward those things. Holbrook, AZ is located in the high desert. Not much in the way of vegetation. Some people’s perspective of the desert is that it is ugly. Their preference is for lots of trees and grass. Others look at the desert and see beauty. Neither perspective is right or wrong, just different. But our attitude towards those things can have an impact on where we choose to live.

Paul’s ministry as an apostle caused him to experience all kinds of hardships. More than probably most of us will ever experience. I wonder if I had been in Paul’s shoes, would I have kept going? Would I have given up?

Paul’s hardships were real, but he did not give up. Why? Because he chose to view his circumstances in light of his being entrusted with a great ministry. A ministry of telling others about Jesus. A ministry that Paul knew could transform people’s lives.

Paul was hard-pressed on all sides. He was perplexed, persecuted, and knocked down. But he did not give up. Why? Because he chose to view his circumstances in light of the power and presence of the Living God who dwelt in him through the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s hardships were many, but he did not give up. Why? Because he chose to view them as light and momentary though from a human perspective they were not. Because he chose to see what those hardships were doing for him inwardly rather than what they were doing to him outwardly. Because he chose to focus on the eternal rather than the things that don’t last.

Why does perspective matter for those of us who are followers of Jesus? Because it will affect our attitudes, our emotions, and how we view our circumstances. We can choose to dwell on what we are dealing with which will not only affect us personally but hinder our witness of Jesus. Or we can choose to dwell on Him who is both in us and with us, which will allow people to see the hope we have because of Jesus.

Remember Paul said that when he was weak, he was strong. Because it led him to look to Jesus and draw strength from the Holy Spirit. You may be hard-pressed this week, but you don’t have to be crushed. You may be perplexed, but you have the resources you need. Life may knock you down, but Jesus is reaching his hand out to pick you back up. Let the light of Jesus shine through you no matter what you are facing.