One of my longtime favorite short poems from Dale Carnegie is:
“Two men looked out from prison bars,
One saw the mud, the other saw stars.”
This is all about perspective. Though circumstances may be similar, the direction one focuses can make a huge difference in outlook. What marks our life? Is our outlook associated with an up-look?
Remember Paul’s exhortation to Christians at Colossae where we read. . .
“(1) If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (3) For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4 ESV)
Paul’s urging was to keep the focus upward. Rather than their minds set on the temporary things of earth which has the capacity of discouraging and bringing the focus down, remembering the eternal hope that was theirs in Christ was to keep their minds set on what is above. As we do the same, we will find it dynamically impacting our outlook on life as we go through each day. Whatever the present circumstances or situations we may be experiencing, they are only temporary. They will pass. Therefore, rather than being prisoners of anxiety over this life’s challenges, may our minds be held captive by the steadfast hope that is ours in Christ!
Have a great day VIEWING LIFE WITH HEAVENLY HOPE!
Carl
