Perspective

It’s a beautiful scene: Zebedee sells his boat, and during the negotiations it becomes clear that he wants to live for Jesus. The potential buyer says, “You own nothing under Rome.” Zebedee replies, “I own nothing above Rome.” In other words: whether he owns anything here or not, he lives for something higher, something over which the Romans have no authority.

The buyer’s perspective is shaped by the economics of the Roman empire.

Zebedee’s perspective is shaped by the economics of the kingdom of God.

What shapes your perspective?

This scene in The Chosen is imagined, but Jesus’ words in Matthew 22 are not. He says, Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. But give to God what belongs to God. This statement has the potential to reorient your entire way of living. If you view life primarily through the lens of the present moment—possessions, status, pressures, limitations—then those things will guide your decisions.

But if you view your life through the lens of the kingdom of Jesus—His values, His reign, His purposes—then those realities will shape how you live, give, speak, and love.

Everything in the world is actively discipling people toward a certain perspective—one that is often far from the perspective of Jesus. That is why disciples need continual formation by the Master: His voice, His teaching, His presence. He gently lifts the gaze of His followers so they learn to see as He sees.

From that perspective, the world looks different.
From that perspective, choices shift.

What perspective shapes you today?

Reflection Questions

• From what perspective do you usually look at life?
• What would it look like to give to God what belongs to God in your daily life?

Prayer

Lord, living with Your perspective is not always easy, especially when so much competes for my attention. Help me to see as you see, and protect me from the things that would distract me from You. Amen.

Next Steps

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