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How Will You See 2025?

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     There is a familiar exercise in which two people view the exact same drawing but see two very different images. One such image presents a furrowed old woman and a vibrant young lady. Some viewers adamantly announce the appearance of the haggard old woman while others emphatically insist that the picture is that of the pretty young lady. Although they are looking at the same picture, their perspectives determine what they see. How each person views this New Year is heavily influenced by perspectives as well. My prayer is that each of us will see through the lens of faith and perspective of spirituality. 

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     Spiritual people see circumstances of all kinds with God in the foreground and faith in the background. When Moses sent twelve spies into Cannan, ten spiesreturned with a frightful report about the people who lived there. “They are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31). They also warned Moses saying, “The land devours the people who live in it” (Numbers 13:33). Those spies lacked faith and spiritual perspective.

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     On the other hand, two spies – Joshua and Caleb, had a different perspective. Their spiritual perspective allowed them to bring back an enthusiastic and optimistic report. “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it,” they said. Their optimism and energy were based on their spiritual perspective. “If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us” (Numbers 13:5-8). Their views were vastly different from those of the ten spies who lacked faith and spiritual perspective.

 

      Similarly, the way each of us views 2025 will determine how we respond to its opportunities, events and challenges. As we have success, we will view our success as an outcome of God’s strength, not our own (Philippians 4:13). When life’s circumstances do not turn out as we planned, we will see it as God’s will, not defeat (James 4:13-17). When the deaths of loved ones occur, our spiritual outlook will reveal hope which will allow us to grieve differently than those who have no hope (I Thessalonians 4:13).

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     May God bless us to have spiritual perspectives related to our families, relationships, careers, health, finances and all matters of life. May God bless the Schrader Lane Church of Christ.