Our perspective—whether temporal or eternal—will determine our standards and the source of our hope, and our practice will reveal what that perspective truly is.
Compartmentalized or Christocentric?
One way this plays out is if we have a compartmentalized life or a Christocentric life. A compartmentalized life may include Christ as a part of it, but its perspective does not stem from who Christ is. It often has a hidden center—finances or work, for example—that determines our practice.
On the other hand, a Christocentric life sees Christ as the center, the hub of the wheel. Everything in life comes from Him, and our perspective is shaped by who He is. We will live based on who He is rather than what we see. This takes the long-term view instead of the short-term view.
Psalm 37: Four Transforming Words
Psalm 37 urges us to do four things:
- Trust in the Lord
- Delight in the Lord
- Commit your way to the Lord
- Wait for the Lord
Ultimately, then, this psalm teaches that waiting on the Lord is the way of wisdom. It involves taking a long-term orientation rather than relying on something that is ephemeral, brief. We must hold temporal things with a loose grip, recognizing that everything depends on God’s character. We do not know what our best interests look like, but God does. We cannot control the future, so we must submit our plans to Him.
Choosing to take these four steps every day—right from the moment we get out of bed—will help transform the way we view life. This is a process that requires training. The more we do it, the more we will experience peace in God. This is because we have hope in the future. Even if someone has abundance in this world gained through wicked deeds, he or she will not ultimately reap eternal life (see Galatians 6:7–9).
Looking to cultivate an eternal perspective? Ken Boa’s Spiritual Renewal Card Set can help.
Watch more videos from Ken’s Monday night study here.
