God's Perspective || Man's Perspective?

Memory Verse: "And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God." (Rm.12:2, BBE)

Scripture Reading: 1 Kgs.21:1-16.

Many people think that the only thing that matters in life is getting ahead-- becoming successful, regardless of the cost. This attitude has led to the various cutthroat strategies employed in business, education, politics, sports, and sadly, the church is not left out. 

This reminds me of a quote by Vince Lombardi: "Many believe that winning isn't everything, it's the only thing."

There was the wife of a king that had this attitude. Her name is Queen Jezebel. She possessed man's perspective and not God's perspective about doing life. 

Her husband, King Ahab, complained that a man named Naboth refused to sell his vineyard to him. Naboth had inherited this vineyard, and didn't feel it was right to sell.

Feeling rejected, Ahab became "sullen and vexed." Jezebel became irritated with her husband's response, asking him, "Are you now the ruler of Israel...?" (1 Kgs.21:7). She promised to get the vineyard for him.

She arranged for Naboth to be falsely accused of cursing God and the king. He was framed, and stoned to death. Then, she took possession of the vineyard and gave it to her husband. As if, defiantly, to show him how to use his authority for his advantage.

This attitude of winning at any cost can infect the lives of believers, too. We can find ourselves forgetting about God's perspectives, bending rules, cutting corners and manipulating people just to achieve short-term 'success'.

As we think about Jezebel, we are reminded of the question Jesus asked: "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mk.8:36). Jezebel certainly thought that she'd "gained the world." But at what cost?

In your life, ask yourself how committed you are to doing life God's way. Are you willing to bend or break His rules to achieve your goals? Are you concerned about His Kingdom, or you have your own kingdom to live for?

Ask God to help you keep life in perspective. Remember that the most important thing is serving God, all other things are secondary- Matt.6:33.

Ponder Point: "What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?" (Mk.8:36-27, MSG)

Action Point: Live your [borrowed] life God's way.

Prayer Point: Father, give me Your perspective on my life. Open my mind and heart to understand Your Word more clearly. Help me to seek first Your Kingdom in Jesus name, Amen.