Perspective

Use Wisdom From Above To Keep Your Perspective

As I have gotten older, I have come to realize more than ever how important it is to keep things in perspective. We cannot allow our circumstances to determine our attitude. Our attitude determines how we relate to our surroundings. Paul found contentment, not because of his environment, but often in spite of it.

The apostle Paul wrote, “…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

The problems of this life are either beyond our control, or they are within our power to change. If they are beyond our control, then we are powerless to do anything about them. Acceptance is our only choice. However, if they are within our power to change, we must move forward to bring about change. Our only problem is in separating what cannot be changed from what can be changed and how to go about it.

It was Dr. Reinhold Niehuhr who first prayed: “God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.” This is where a careful study of the Bible comes into play. If the Bible is the inspired WORD OF GOD, and it is, then it provides the only instructions which enable us to distinguish the one from the other (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The only problems I have any control over are my own. What I cannot change I must accept. Where I can affect change, I must work to bring it about. And, I must look to God’s word for the wisdom to keep things in perspective. Therefore, I will not worry about that which is out of my control. Nor, will I be anxious about those things which are within my power to change. I will be too busy changing them to have time to worry.