Perspective: 1: a way of regarding situations or topics etc.; 2: the appearance of things relative to one another as determined by their distance from the viewer [WordNet]
One Perspective: Leading 21 to 10 at the half of a football game, victory is virtually a lock. Play conservative ball in the second half and guard the lead. Fans are free to leave the stadium and beat the inevitable post-game gridlock. Another Perspective: Leading 21 to 10 at the half of a football game could lead to overconfidence or lack of commitment and open the door to ultimate failure in the second half. Just ask the Raiders.
On one of my recent football posts, a friend noted that his comments were possibly, "...tainted with a little frustration at the waste of time and energy put into such distractions while people are dying without knowing Jesus by the second." That's one perspective - and an interesting one.
I don't agree with this guilt-laden assessment (my perspective). People die without knowing Jesus while I work, while I spend time with my family, while I eat, and while I sleep. They even die without knowing Him while I study His Word, while I teach, while I preach, and even while I spend time in the mission field.
The problem is that I don't save anybody. Nobody gets to the Father through me or my actions. It happens in His timing and at the point of His choosing. In John 14:6, Jesus advises us, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
It's up to me to establish my relationship with Christ and follow His will. If He wants me to teach and preach, then count me in. If it's His will to use me to reach out to a non-believer, then I'm to follow His call and in the manner He chooses.
One Perspective: I should never rest and sacrifice everything until every soul on earth is saved. Another Perspective: It's feeding our own vanity that makes us think we can do more than His will in saving the lost.
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus states, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Could it be that God uses sports venues such as football to give us rest? It's an interesting thought. He gave us our competitive nature. Even if you don't believe He created football, He did create football players (and fans). There must be a reason for it.
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5 comments:
Hey Laurence, it's GREAT to see you posting again, cause I am thinking it means you are feeling BETTER! Especially since you are up to your usual thought provoking essays! This had me chewing on it this morning...
Thank you, Susie and Crystal B.
I hope I don't come off as cold and insensitive. My heart is heavy for those who have yet to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. I hope that's evident in my family, in my ministries, in my work, and in my life in general.
I merely look for God's timing in everything. He gives me work and He gives me rest and peace - a way to escape from the burdens of life.
Welcome back Laurence, I have missed you! So glad you are better. Thanks for yet another thought provoking post. Very interesting perspective.
Laurence is back! And in true Laurence form!
Glad you're back, Laurence. I was praying for you and it's always good to be reminded that God listens and answers and heals.
Thanks, Brian. Your prayers mean more to me than you'll ever know. It was a trying time for my family, but we know who pulled us through and who healed in the end.
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