Beyond Ourselves

Question to think about: Are you willing to change your perspective?

With all the ways that technology allows us to communicate, misunderstandings occur because of miscommunication. There are many reasons . . . frequently because of differing perspectives. The thing is . . . understanding one another is the key to preventing disruption and division in relationships. Seeking to understand one another changes the way we respond to one another.

Too many relationships are lost because of a limited perspective caused by the failure to look beyond ourselves. There is an impact of a limited perspective that has long-term consequences. Study what Jesus said to the people who misunderstood the reason to follow Him:
Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you have been searching for Me, not because you saw the miracles and signs but because you were fed with the loaves and were filled and satisfied. Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes [in the using], but strive and work and produce rather for the [lasting] food which endures [continually] unto life eternal; the Son of Man will give (furnish) you that, for God the Father has authorized and certified Him and put His seal of endorsement upon Him. (John 6:26-27, Amplified)

Unpack the words of Jesus to gain understanding:
You searched for Me . . . because you were fed . . . filled and satisfied: We can be more concerned with our immediate need, failing to see the whole picture.
Stop toiling and doing and producing . . .the food that perishes and decomposes: We can be so busy doing what we think we need to do that we fail to see that our work will not have a lasting impact.
Strive, work, and produce . . . for the lasting food that endures continually . . . the Son of Man will give (furnish) you that: When we participate with the work of Christ, God with us, the impact lasts forever.

Take time to evaluate how you perceive life.
Do you see beyond yourself . . . beyond what you are doing . . . beyond your feelings . . . beyond your opinion . . . seeking the perspective of Christ?
Meditate:
That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! (Ephesians 1:15-19, The Message)
Be still.
Perceive more.
Know the presence of Christ, God with us.
Focus on Christ.
See what Christ is calling you to do.
Grasp the immensity of following Christ.
Grasp the extravagance of the work of Christ in you.
Trust Christ for endless energy and boundless strength as you follow.

Learning with you to look beyond my own perspective,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)