Point of view is different for different people. That’s life. Different people will look at the same thing but either see different perspectives or understand what they see in different ways. Our current situation with Covid-19 serves as a case in point. To some people, the situation is hugely blown out of proportion by media houses. To others, it is the most serious matter of a life-time. Some want to know as much about the matter as possible—not skipping a single news bulletin—while others prefer not to be exposed to ‘bad’ news.
What type of person are you? Are you in one of the groups described above or do you consider yourself more balanced and selective about matters?
We are not the first people on earth to be challenged by life-threatening conditions. Different times bring different challenges and people dealing with matters in different ways. Who you are in your core plays a major part in how you deal with situations. No surprise, this is precisely the angle the apostle Paul takes when he speaks with his brothers and sisters in the faith in Colossians 2:20-3:4. He contrasts the thoughts and actions of those who belong to Jesus Christ and those who don’t in this section. And, according to Paul’s analysis, what we think and the health of our thoughts are hugely important.
The world is the same as believers and non-believers (not-yet-believers) but the way they think about the world and worldly matters differs. It’s down to a point of view! While non-believers and not-yet-believers see the realities around them, believers also see the alternative reality introduced by Jesus Christ. To believers, hope is more than a 50-50 chance. To believers the word freedom means more than personal or national liberation—it speaks about the new life in Christ. BUT, even believers can be caught in the rip current of uncertainty and fear.
Paul’s recommendation could not be simpler. When things get really tough, look up and look out. Look intensely to the ‘things above..’ he says in Colossians 3:2. Translated in our situation: apart from all the newspaper headlines and social media news bytes, consider the world around you… have you noticed the daffodils, the crocuses, and the snowdrops? When last did you take time just to look out through the window at the trees, the sprouting brambles, the budding rose bushes? Have you heard the birdsong recently?
The same Creator God who tends to the needs of the birds and the flowers is looking out for us (Matthew 6:25-34). Therefore, not ‘if’ but ‘when’ you feel down and cannot see a way out, consider another point of view. This too shall pass. All shall be well and all shall be well.
Take care and be safe, Jaco.
