Lately, the word “perspective” has been a major word in my vocabulary. In my prayer time, I kept asking what am I to do with the word…and here we go…remember even if you shoot the messenger – the message served its purpose. Perspective varies, just as skin color, income, success, and failure does, with each individual. Any type of literature can and will have a positive or negative, based upon the person’s overall journey. It took me 33 years to figure out my purpose and start my own healing through Christ. I read my Bible. I went to church. I gave my money but MY heart wasn’t right.
I get so fed up with religious people telling others what they “should do or should not do.” I understand that we are all human. I understand that we all fall short. I understand that we are deeply flawed – but that does not give us the right to discredit the next man’s struggle. In my quest, to find my purpose, I found my God. I did not expect anyone to drop what they are doing to follow me – because this thing is not about me, it is bigger than myself, my purpose, my vision. As a matter of fact, I am following Someone else and all I can do is share the Good News. I make wrong turns, I fall short, I sin, and from time to time I swear, but nothing can remove or move my faith.
Back to perspective – what is truth? Okay, so if I say, “life should be viewed as a gift; everyone should accept everything life offers, by loving it and never questioning a thing,” that maybe truth for some – but far from the truth for another. The same with doctrines or literature, secular or holy, interpretation and perspective are tightly coiled. Let’s take 3 different lives of 3 different women and put things into perspective. Woman number 1 is a mother of 4 ½ ; number 2 is a mother of 1; number 3 is barren (I will refer to these women as 1,2, and 3).
Life is great for #3 until she gets married to a man that wants children. Stress, fear, anxiety, anger, and depression starts to severely overwhelm her. She begins to question God, seek help from other people, all the while she is angry at everyone- including God. This was not a choice that she made, it was just the hand that she was dealt.
#2 is rocking and rolling, making plans with her family. Living life. Trusting God. Stepping out on faith and believing the promises. Things could not be better. She has made a decision that, no matter what comes her way, she is going to sing praises with her feet planted, chin up, and shoulders back.
Pregnant again – this will make five. #1 has not always made the best decision with men. Uncertain of where the next meal is coming from – or if flipping the light switch will generate electricity. NO money to pay the bills or feed the kids. There is no man to protect the home or love her. It is only a matter of time before stress, resentment, unbelief, survival antics begins to kick in. She turns her back on God – she does not need Him. After all, what can He do for her that she cannot do for herself? Where was He when she cried out to Him for help?
Perspective of life for these women will not align but would we discredit how they feel about circumstances? The same goes with faith, if people just stop trying to force others to see things through their eyes, and simply plant seeds. When it is time for the harvest, Jah will make it plain. Those people of faith, little faith, no faith should simply be lifted up to God in prayer, that He may open the spiritual eyes of His people. It should not hinder you from loving people or praying for people, even if their faith or beliefs are different. If you read a scripture and it opens a door – it may not be the opportunity for your sister, or your friend, or your neighbor; it is simply YOUR opportunity.
My Bible says: “They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of the truth and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Remember, if you are speaking but no one is listening, just think back to how long it took you to get right, and multiply that by 10 – and then think what it takes for you to keep it right, and multiply that by 100. Learn to love people right where they are in the natural and the spiritual realm – if you are being instructed to walk with them, take the opportunity and walk; but if you are not – then plant the seed and move forward. Because holding on will only bring detriment to your spiritual health.
If your spiritual life is dry or if your perspective is obscured by your circumstances, you are missing out on living. I lived such an empty life, for such a long time, worrying about things that did not concern me. My life began to spin out of control. I can relate to all three women: the stress and fear of being dealt a hand that I had no part in shuffling. The decision to sing praises regardless to what is thrown my way. Finally, doubting God and His abilities to transform my life, for the better.
When I find myself questioning the authenticity of someone’s spiritual relationship, I am quickly reminded to stay in my lane, because that does not concern me. Here's my take on when the question is asked to my family or friends, about my “newfound hallelujah,” remember, my salvation is mine; my relationship with Jah is mine – my testimony is mine. Finding Him, means that I found myself – and nothing matters more to me, than please Him. Be blessed. If you are looking for a reason to discredit someone’s worship, then I suggest you change your perspective and do the following: Be the change. Be the light. Be the Platform to life. ~jess
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