POSITION DETERMINES PERSPECTIVE - 14

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

      On Sunday, October 21, 2018 I was going on my first vacation in a very long time. As I was flying from Denver to Salt Lake City I looked out the window across the isle and saw the Rocky Mountains - they looked gorgeous and majestic. However, I thought, "They look so small when you're over 10,000 feet in the air." Almost immediately I heard, "Your perspective of things depends upon your position." I knew this was a God moment.
       I instantly thought of Ephesians 2:6, "And He has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."  This is written in the present tense - it's already been done. Believers in Jesus are seated in heavenly places right now. WOW! Fully realizing this position definitely changes one's perspective - it would make God, and me, bigger than any problem or circumstance, bigger than any temptation I might face.  As stated in a previous Life Lesson - it sometimes takes a while for a concept to go from the head to the heart. 

      Another position that would alter our perspective of things is the position of peace. I like the Hebrew word Shalom. It means not only peace but also wholeness, complete, lacking nothing. Isaiah 26:3 is one of my favorites, "You keep in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on You..."
How would a position of peace change your life? Fear, stress, and anxiety would have to go because there wouldn't be a place for them.

         I thought about my relationship with God - my Father. My position with Him also changes my perspective. When I'm spending time with Him He becomes mighty and majestic making me feel very safe and secure - ready for anything. However, there are the times I'm just "too busy" to read the Word or pray and He is distant, far off.
      The redeemed of the Lord hold a myriad of positions: ambassadors for Christ, warriors, overcomers, temples of the Holy Ghost, royal priesthood, child of God, Bride of Christ... How well do we operate in these positions?



      All the spiritual positions are constant, unchanging, unwavering. It is up to us to take hold of what we know to be true. To seek them out, pursue them as secret treasures for they are what holds true value - even here on earth. God has provided a way but it is up to us to act on it. There is depth and power in each position but it comes at a cost - you need to make them a priority. Study the Word, spend time in prayer and your position will change as will your perspective. This is a growth process and maybe that's why we're called "children of God." He's still waiting for us to grow into the positions He's provided so we can see things from His perspective.
       You can be in a particular position but not be able to draw on it's power or authority due to lack of use - not exercising what's been given to you. I honestly believe that's what happened with Jared - he believed in the cross of Jesus and loved God but hadn't exercised his authority in this area, thus he didn't know how to draw on it's power when needed. This gave his addiction more control in his life - even though he hated it.
     None of us has it all together, sorry to pop your bubble if you're just finding that out. It may not be as obvious as Jared's addiction, but we all wrestle with something. We need to rise up and take hold of our positions in Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father. They have made a way and are willing to guide us as we navigate through life. 
      Position determines perspective. Are you willing to dig deeper into the person God created you to be; to step into the position that was made for you so you can have the proper perspective? Let's exercise our spiritual muscles and grow up to be children our heavenly Father can be proud of.

 

* I really do love the majesty of the mountains!*