The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance—The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.—I will bless the LORD—.Psalm 16:5-7
Perspective is powerful–it can make you feel like a prince or a pauper. Keeping things in their proper perspective is key to pleasure, your ability to enjoy life. Example–
Picture yourself, with everything you have, living in the heart of Hollywood, surrounded by the mansions of the rich and famous. This view breeds discontent. It’s easy to be envious when you compare yourself to folks like that. You start to feel that you deserve more, bigger, and better. Life seems unfair.
However, let’s change our perspective by picturing ourself, with everything we have, living in a poverty ridden place such as Haiti. Look at your neighbors. Notice the beggars roaming the streets. Consider the cardboard shacks in which they live. Pay close attention to what they wear and eat. Think about their means of transportation and the lack of public services. Want to trade places? Of course not!
It is no wonder that a wise man like Paul would say,”—we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen—things which are–eternal.”( 2 Cor. 4:18). He knew that, instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should keep our focus on who we are and what we have in Christ.
Discontent destroys our joy and impedes our progress in life. It makes winners feel like losers. As Ben Franklin said, “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”
A wall plaque in my office says,”I complained because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.” Yep–it’s all a matter of perspective!
