Perspective Is Everything

Today I was reflecting on how different my path is now as opposed to the path I used to walk. It is shocking how our perspective on things can be so tainted when we are on the wrong path because we are so caught up in the world. I didn’t realize that my views were controlled by the latest worldly trend, which extended so far beyond my control. I am not referring to fashion or anything like that…I am speaking of material things, relationship statuses, etc. I had such a void in my life that I sought out people, places, and things to fill it….only to throw them out like the latest, out-dated fashion. Sadly, nothing seemed to matter because the void was always there. No matter what, I always took the wrong path.

For so many years I kept searching for something or someone to fill the void, and the only thing that search led to was nothing but disappointment. I depended on things, people, places, jobs, etc. to make me happy. When I saw that I didn’t find the happiness I was seeking, in whoever or whatever it was at the moment, I’d leave and search elsewhere. It was a very vicious cycle, and I didn’t know how to end it. The problem was, I was trying to do everything in my own strength.

The day I accepted Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior, my perspective on life completely changed. I saw the horrible person I had become. I saw Biblical morals, and I saw how I changed those morals to suit the way “I” wanted to live my life. The “don’t judge me until you’ve walked in my shoes” mentality was anything but right, but at the time that was my mentality towards everyone who I assumed was judging me. Of course, I didn’t see anything clearly because I didn’t understand what it meant to have a relationship with Christ, and that was a vital piece I was missing.

You see, I was very dedicated to doing “church work” and going through all the motions, but my relationship with Christ was not one to give testimony about. My life was full of sin and bad morals. I did as much as I could to put on this perfect “front” when I was around fellow church members, family members, colleagues, etc., but the truth of the matter was that I was ashamed of the life I led. I used my position in the church to cover my life of sin. I was so ashamed, so in order to cover up that shame I became dishonest about so many things. I had relationships in which we lived outside of marriage. I made myself believe that because the ways of the world changed, the morals of good relationships changed as well. After all, according to the order that relationships go nowadays, I was just following the trend. You’re supposed to try it out before you buy it, right? It seemed like it was the thing to do…test out the relationship before buying a house together, having a family, or getting married. After all…it is better to test things out before you make that commitment. If it didn’t work during that “trial” period, then it definitely wouldn’t have worked if we would have gotten married. My perspective was so deluded.

I recently saw a post on Facebook that asked the question, “Do you believe in living together before marriage?”. I perused through the comments only to find a plethora of agreements that couples should live together before marriage. The scarcity of comments referring to Biblical teachings on marriage only clouded my presence with sadness and fear. Sadness and fear for those who are still living with a tainted perspective on what marriage truly is and how important it is to keep God first in your marriage.

I have experienced two marriages in which God was not first. Both relationships started with us living together before marriage. Both relationships did not keep Christ at the center. Both relationships did not use the Bible as guidance. Sure, I thought I did the “church” thing by keeping a position as music director through it all, but my relationship with Christ was missing. I just didn’t get it! Needless to say, neither of those marriages lasted, and I have my self to blame because I just didn’t get it. I did not understand what it meant to have a covenant marriage. I didn’t understand what it meant to keep Christ first in my life and in my marriage.

When I met my husband, he first showed me the importance of having a relationship with Christ. Even though we were just in the beginning stages of a relationship and getting to know each other as friends, I soon realized how wrong I was regarding my views on how relationships were supposed to look. Our conversations were centered around Christ and the importance of Him always being the center. I noticed a joy and peace about my future husband that I had never experienced in my entire life. I wanted that joy and peace more than anything. The day I surrendered my life to Christ…I soon experienced the joy and peace I so desired. The void that I had lived with for so long was immediately filled with a love I had never truly known. Knowing how special I am to my Father was and still is the best thing I have ever come to understand. I have not wanted for anything because my Father takes care of every single need and then some. I am a child of the most High God, and I know who I am in Him.

The craziest part about my perspective is that when I was living in the world and viewing everything according to worldly values, my life was ALWAYS a struggle. Ever since I surrendered my life to Christ and my perspective has changed according to His Word—the weight of the world is no longer on my shoulders and the stresses I dealt with are no longer a part of my life. Since October 14, 2018, I have had peace and joy that is so difficult to explain sometimes. It is a peace and joy that only comes from Christ and changing my perspective according to His Word.

My previous worldly views are now guided by His Word and what He says is true. My path may be the least traveled, but it is a path guided by the Word of God and my relationship with Christ. My perspective and decisions are now guided by the Holy Spirit and no longer tainted by the world. It is constant work to be sure that I am living for Him and the way He intended me to live. I still fail at times—sometimes I fail miserably, but I know that I am His child and I am loved. As long as I continue to seek Him daily, He will always guide me through every circumstance, decision, relationship, etc. As long as I keep my eyes fixed on Him, my perspective will not be tainted by the world any longer. Praise Jesus! Perspective is EVERYTHING!!!