WHAT IF… you were omniscient (all knowing), would it change your perspective on life? Would you look at your circumstances differently? Would you stress less if you KNEW without a doubt what the outcome of every situation would be? Would you treat people differently if you knew what was going on in their lives behind the scenes? It is highly probable, most people would have a larger perspective on life… IF only they KNEW…
What If... we changed our limited perspective to see things through the eyes of a loving God who is omniscient. He is all knowing so we do not have to be! We just need to be obedient.
Recently, I had a conversation with a man who openly shared how disappointed he had become with people. He shared how quickly people judge him. He shared his ‘story’ with me. Everyone has a ‘story’, and everyone’s ‘story’ matters! He was distraught over the lack of acceptance he was experiencing from others. My heart was broken for his sorrow.
What IF… those casting judgement took the time to get to know this man and hear his story, would they still throw the stones of judgement which hurt so deeply?
- People living with purpose look for ways to help others feel accepted. Living with a heart of purpose is always inclusive not exclusive!
- Uncover purpose in your everyday life by finding someone who needs a friend and reach out to them with God’s heart of acceptance. God commands us not to judge (Matthew 7:1-5).
There’s a woman facing conflict in the workplace. Being accused of things simply because the facts were incorrectly presented to management. Miss-documented events, inaccurate assumptions, and lack of communication, all adding to a stressful environment. My heart was broken for her sadness.
What IF… those making false accusations took the time to clearly communicate with one another, could the conflict be avoided?
- People living with purpose will always stand in the gap for the underdog, looking for ways to shine the spotlight upon others rather than on themselves (Philippians 2:3).
- Uncover purpose in your everyday life by making an effort to encourage someone. Go the extra mile and give an unexpected accolade to recognize someone’s hard work; at the office, at home or within your community.
A young man, caught up in the ferocity of corporate life; working to make money…spending the money he makes to live… sleep deprived…only to repeat this cycle day in and day out. Trapped on an unstoppable treadmill of productivity without purpose. My heart was burdened with his struggle.
What IF… quality of life was valued over the pursuit of ‘success’! Would hearts be filled with peace instead of anxiety?
- Productivity never defines self-worth! People of purpose are driven by passion not the lure of ‘success’.
- Uncover purpose in your everyday life by lending a helping hand to someone who is burdened. Pray for God to give you eyes to see past the facade most people wear everyday, to see those who are hurting and in need of a helping hand (Galatians 6:2).
We can uncover purpose in our everyday life by staying connected to our omniscient Father who desires to lead us into all truth (John 16:13).
If we want to see change in the world we need to become the change we want to see.
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
What IF…you began to see others as God sees them, how would this change your relationships? Go ahead, ask God to give you spiritual eyes to see others as He sees them!
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Jordy says
Lucy Ann, thanks for an excellent, thought provoking article. I’m going to be open and honest here. In our area we have a lot of homeless people. Our city’s laws allow them to stand on street corners and in medians at traffic lights soliciting with cardboard signs. Many judge them without really knowing what their stories are…me included.
Lucy Ann, you are so right, we all have a story to tell. It doesn’t take very long to find out why someone is homeless and panhandling if time is taken to talk to them.
Prior to the economy crashing in 2008 I had a thriving cabinet manufacturing company and a different perspective about homeless people (specifically on the subject of begging for money), then, than I do now. I used to defend this specific “group” of street beggars telling people that you never know what someone’s story is or why they are on the streets when people would “judge” them and their work ethics.
When the economy crashed I closed my cabinet company and found myself “unemployed”. After a few months of tough times I found myself pulling weeds for money. Yes, I said pulling weeds. In 100 degree heat, slumped over getting down and dirty for sometimes eight hours a day… just to pay the bills. Ever since, my perspective has changed about giving currency to homeless people begging for money, I don’t.
I do however still take the time to talk to them and get to know them. One of the specific subjects I discuss is what are they capable of doing for work…”Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime”.
So, what if…? What if I found myself homeless tomorrow, addicted to drugs and knew the outcome was that I would always be homeless? When I ask myself that question somehow my judgmental attitude gets softened. I become grateful for the person God has allowed me to become. I pray that God keep me safe from things in life that could result in me being homeless. It could happen to me, just as it’s happened to so many in this world.
Not sure where I’m going with this other than to say Lucy Ann you presented a very thought provoking article. Keep it up. You are making a difference in people’s lives.
Lucy Ann says
Jordy,
Thank you for your honest reply! You too have given us all something to ponder. I love that you ask those you speak with about what work they could be doing! I can vividly remember sitting and talking with homeless individuals, it didn’t take long to realize the label ‘homeless’ did not define their true identity. These were amazing people, gifted by God in special ways, I was always in awe of the amazing stories they would share. They spoke of their life experiences, their family and their hopes and dreams. What if…we lived everyday with purpose to pray for the homeless individuals we see in our own communities; perhaps our hearts would be softened and our prejudices would be silenced! Thanks again for sharing! (BTW…Thanks for your sweet words of encouragement.)