Perspective

In recent months, my attitude and outlook on several things has changed significantly. As I've been thinking through how to communicate some of these changes to others in my sphere of influence, I've come to some conclusions.

When our circumstances change, our perspective changes. When our perspective changes, our attitude usually changes. When our attitude changes, our outlook changes. Here's the catch though. This can go either way. We have choices to make at each stage of the changes that determine whether or not we'll experience a positive change or a negative change.

When our circumstances change for the better we run the risk of developing a "I'm awesome so I deserve great things" perspective which leads to a spoiled attitude and a self-centered outlook. When our circumstances become more difficult, we run the risk of developing a "God doesn't love me and life isn't fair" perspective which leads to a bitter attitude and grim outlook.

I think that God's plan for us is this:

When circumstances change for the better we shouldn't lose focus on the fact that there are people WAY less fortunate than us. Thereby maintaining a healthy perspective which will lead to a humble attitude. Our outlook remains sober and grateful, realizing that none of us are guaranteed the easy street for life.
When circumstances change for the worse our perspective should still be to realize that there are those less fortunate than us. Thereby continuing to maintain a healthy perspective and humble attitude. We should become even more grateful for what we have and what we had.

SO WHY ALL THIS RAMBLING JOHNNY?

Several months ago I lost my salaried job in full time ministry. Since then, I've been leading worship around the Southeast every week. A couple of weeks ago at one of the churches, the love offering and honorarium was more than double what I have been getting every week. I immediately and thoroughly began thanking God for the provision and generosity of that day. THEN IT HIT ME: The amount was equal to ONE WEEKS PAYCHECK from my previous church position. Then the conviction hit me. I don't remember there being ONE WEEK that I came home with my paycheck and giving God that kind of gratitude for providing that amount for my family.

What's changed? My circumstances have changed my perspective which in turn has affected my attitude. So, I'm choosing to maintain that perspective and attitude so that God is honored. It's HIS pleasure we should be living for anyways.

Just a few thoughts. It's where I am.
Johnny