Viewpoint Determines Value
No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ
(1 Corinthians 3:11)
“PEACEFUL GRAND CANYON,” the blurb on the back of the postcard read. “Even though the twisted limbs of a Juniper Pine, like the Canyon itself, offer testimony to the harshness of time and the elements, visitors feel the majestic peace of the Grand Canyon,” it promised.
This site of wonder and beauty is visited each year by thousands of tourists from around the world. Each person who views the scene sees it from his or her own perspective, based on their viewpoint.
For instance, a geologist, in awesome wonder, might see the colorful layers of exposed rocks as an opportunity to study the composition of Earth beneath its surface. If asked to place a dollar value on the site, he would undoubtedly find it impossible to do so. Any price, in his opinion, would be ridiculously insufficient.
On the other hand, a farmer looking on the same scene from the same spot might shake his head in disbelief at the worst case of erosion possible. No farmer in his right mind would attempt to plant a crop there. And so, from his viewpoint, any price would be too high. Both men would be correct in their description of the canyon; the variance in price stemming from the difference in their value system.
So it is in life. As the years go by, we all experience erosions of health, relationships, and financial status, to name just a few. How we survive these winds of time is largely determined by how we view life in general. While earthly comforts are desirable, it is important to keep them in proper perspective.
As believers, we are reminded that our confidence is to be in God and His forever blessings rather than in things of this world which can disappear without warning:
I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me
(Psalm 13:5-6)
that You are Truth, and to know You is to possess real knowledge:
the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
(Colossians 2:2-3)
You led me through a barren land where I learned that rest and refreshment
are always available in Your Presence:
He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall
abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord,
“He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust”
(Psalm 91:1-2)
I struggled to know Your plan for my life; You instructed me to follow You
wherever You lead, one step at a time:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him
and He shall direct your paths
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You took me in Your arms and whispered, “That isn’t necessary, My child,
for I have looked into your heart and I already know.
” For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks
at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart
(1 Samuel 16:7)
to trade all my complaining for laughter and a song.
For You are still in Heaven, and You still are in control;
help me enjoy the life You give; let sunshine fill my soul.
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