“We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.” ~ Steven Covey
I wonder if we’re not a little too distracted by what we perceive with our senses. The physical world has a way of deceiving us, getting us thinking that what we can see and touch comprises reality.
When I try to distill Jesus’ message into its core truth, I always arrive at the same conclusion. Jesus wanted us to change our frame of reference, to see the physical world as background for the real story. It’s as though His central purpose was to focus our attention on things of the spirit.
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
From God’s perspective, the physical universe is temporary and transitory. Our lives are an important but brief scene in a much larger play. My friend Dick Foth once summarized the story line with these words: “Jesus left His place and came to my place. He took my place, so He could take me to His place.”
If I wish to follow Jesus, I need to keep the larger story in mind. When I think and behave as though my life and the physical events that take place are the central elements of the play, I lose context. Jesus’ message makes little sense within this isolated scene.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor 1: 18)
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” (1 Cor 3 19-20)
This notion is especially important in light of the message of SetFreeToday because pain and fear have a way of distracting us. It’s nearly impossible to step back and contemplate the bigger picture when adversity focuses attention on immediate troubles. When you’re hungry, sick, afraid, or lonely, God’s love fades into distant background and desperation takes center stage.
I think that’s one reason Jesus wants us to care for those in need. He’s concerned for their immediate pain, but He also wants them to be free to stop scrambling for physical survival and focus on spiritual matters. “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mat 16:26)
I want to know and understand the wisdom of this world, but I never want to be so immersed in my small role that I lose sight of the overall production. This physical scene will end; I want to perceive and understand the “foolish” message of the cross and God’s eternal spiritual play.
What can you do to change your frame of reference from physical to spiritual?
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