Apples of Gold

Ever met someone who was convinced that they were always right, even where they weren’t? Arguments were useless, facts didn’t matter. The only perspective they were interested in was their own.

It can be very frustrating to interact with this personality type. Being a logical person, I had a streak of this myself that I needed to, and continue to work through, in order to gain empathy and understanding.

Good communication requires consideration for the perspective of others. Unfortunately, in our day, perspective has dethroned truth and in some cases, even reality.

A few days ago my daughter shared a thought provoking observation regarding perspective. She mentioned how it is valid to have different perspectives but oftentimes, only one of those perspectives is actually accurate. 

I find myself struggling with perspectivitis at times. I tend to spend more time than necessary trying to get God to see my perspective of a situation. I realize the fallacy of this approach. God already understands everything and obviously has a better plan than I do. But this waiting stuff can be trying. 

Job tried this approach with the LORD and it didn’t go so well. 

Rather than explaining his process to Job, God reminds him of his limitations. 

Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Job 38:2

God wasn’t in need of Job’s bullet points and a Venn Diagram depicting his dilemma. He wanted Job to trust him in the middle of his struggle. 

God wasn’t summarily dismissing Job’s perspective, but instead, was providing context for his concerns. The problems Job was facing, the things he was suffering through, had not escaped the gaze of Jehovah. He was not puzzled and trying to figure out how to help Job. 

How often do we approach God in the same manner as Job did? I certainly have been guilty. My “Why don’t you’s” and “Can you just’s” are ignorant words, questioning the love and care of my LORD.

God doesn’t leave Job with a mere rebuff but He follows up with a description of who HE is:

Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night’s wickedness? Job 38:12-13

Serving as both a rebuke and a reminder God speaks of His glory and power. He spends many verses detailing His complete control of, well, everything. 

Job didn’t need to advise the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe,  but he did need to trust Him. 

The cure for perspectivitis is further described in the Book of James:

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4

I put in a lot of miles running track and playing soccer. Our pre-practice run was several miles and my endurance was certainly tested and developed. With hard work and dedication, the initial barely survivable run became quite comfortable by the end of the season. 

Our spiritual growth also demands hard work and dedication. Endurance comes through trials, tears, and trust. 

I do wonder just what God has me in training for right now. The opportunities for great joy have been abundant, and hopefully the growth of endurance has been keeping pace.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

The need to capture my wandering thoughts and submit them to the plan of God is a frequent occurrence! When push comes to shove, I want my love and dedication to God to seize my heart and restrict my desires. 

Many paths lay in front of each of us. When only one of them leads to God’s design for my life clear direction is compulsory.

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:4-5

When my perspective clashes with God’s perspective, there is no question who is right. God understands my struggle. He understands my weakness and confusion. He also expects my trust. 

Randy Travis said it well:

I am weak but Thou are strong

Jesus keep me from all wrong

I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk

Dear Lord, close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee

Grant it Jesus, is my plea

Daily walkin’ close to Thee

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Romans 8:18-19