Comparison, Priority, Perspective, Regret
Andy's Posts, Contemplations, Personal Reflection, Random Thoughts, Social / World - January 12th, 2008 Add commentsI often wonder what it would have been like to live during a different era. Perhaps the early 1900’s when people had less as far as “wealth” - but also developed a different perspective. Instead of this murky world of comparison and relative (and not ultimate) success, it seems like things were more simple even if they weren’t so “advanced” as we think we are today.
Or maybe my problem is not eras but countries. You need not travel backwards in time to achieve this different perspective, just head overseas. My time in Israel was enough to see the gap in perspective and priority. We were tourists in a strange land filled with historical sites. They were people in their home land living their lives. We were probably nothing more than flies. Like rich politicians who spend 3 hours in a warzone or refugee camp. We visit, we have compassion, and then we fly home to our warm beds and safety.
I think it’s probably a cop-out to want an “all around me” change like a time flash back or country move, so that I’m forced to change my perspectives and priorities. I know I’m capable of doing that with dicipline, submission and ultimately humility, but often large changes seem easier. It’s why people make resolutions on New Year’s and not March 11th or June 5th. It’s a simple or seemingly simpler starting point. I suppose the quest should be to run after that bigger perspective at all times and be contented with slowly moving and not feel guilty for my place in this world. As an American, it seems to be getting more difficult to do.
February 26th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
really interesting– I often wonder if that goes through the mind if most missionaries.
I think the most Christians who are the most successful in ministry are those who don’t visit and try to change the world through that one visit– but rather over time through just living God’s character in everyday life. Unfortunately those aren’t the Christians who get the most press– but I believe make the most change.
It makes me wonder when Christians feel they need to go overseas or in a completely different environment to share the gospel… when perhaps your neighbor next door isn’t saved due to believing in a distorted gospel.Perhaps large change does seem easier :c)
October 28th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I would agree that as an American it is increasingly difficult to have the right perspective on things. It seems like our society these days is built on making us believe we need more and better than we already have. Especially with all the advertising on TV, radio and print media constantly bombarding us 24/7. That’s one reason that when I watch television it’s with the remote in my hand so I can mute all the commercials (which tend to increase in volume so you can hear nothing else). A good and accurate perspective can be something that becomes more elusive the larger your family and responsibilities become. I have heard people justify almost anything for their family because they they don’t want “anything but the best” for them. Well, what we think or are told is the best for our family may not be what they need or even want. Maybe always having the best (even if we can afford it) just puts more pressure on us. I think it is possible to have a different perspective but it takes constant effort to take off the “American dream machine sun glasses” which can tend to blur our vision instead of helping us see the vision God wants for our lives.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Tough to say it better than that.
I suppose I can add something and just remind us that God’s plan for his followers is not health and wealth but rather suffering for the name of Christ. In Acts the disciples rejoiced to be found worthy of suffering for His name. In James it tells us to rejoice in trials and tribulations that build perseverance in us. Based on the world of scripture we have, what a family “needs” is to be held accountable to the Biblical standards, not the American dream.