SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1059

“The Gift of Perspective”

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. (2 Peter 3:9-14)

A story is told about a well-respected Pastor who was invited to speak at the dedication of an elaborate new church sanctuary.  Much was said about the beauty and features of the building prior to introducing the guest speaker. The Pastor quietly approached the podium and said, “It’s all going to burn”.

The Pastor’s intent was to put everything back into perspective. The focus of our lives must be our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. It is very easy to lose that focus as individuals as well as church communities. Too great an emphasis can be placed upon the physical trappings of a building and lose the proper perspective that facilities are to facilitate ministry and not hinder it.

How many of us have striven for the biggest house or fanciest car only to resent them later. Have you ever lost your temper with your child if they broke a favorite dish or spilled something in your new car? People buy expensive clothes and jewelry yet are afraid to wear them for fear of loss or damage. Cars will rust, houses will rot, and moths eat our clothing. It’s all going to burn.

During this season of gift giving and receiving, give yourself and others the gift of perspective. Far too many of us are buying things we don’t need with money we don’t have to give to people we don’t even like in hopes of currying favor.

The gift of perspective reminds us that Jesus is the reason for the season. Our relationship with Him as our Lord and Savior is all that really matters. It is all that will last forever unto eternity. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

May you be reminded during this Christmas season of the free gift of God offered to you in the person of Jesus Christ.  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2:8)

Merry Christmas!