Free Download: She Sees Outline
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 NLT
This month we have learned that when we view the world through the lens of scripture we are able to see through God’s eyes. As believers, we are challenged to not only see the physical realities in front of us, but to turn our focus to spiritual possibilities. It sounds simple enough, but in reality, it can be difficult to see past the behaviours of others and see their potential. When you encounter someone who is behaving badly, do you ever stop to ponder what God sees when He looks at them?
I was watching a movie one time, I think it might have been Robocop, where it was as if the camera was behind the eyes of the robot. So when he looked at someone, his internal computer analyzed information about them and that information came up on the computer lens he was seeing through. I remember pausing and praying for God to do something like that as I looked at others; to help me see them through His analysis rather than my own. As humans, it is so easy to make judgements based on appearances and behaviors. We must remember, behaviors are rooted in our belief system. If someone is acting badly, I guarantee there is a story behind it. Often, they are hurt, angry or afraid and their actions are a result of what has been planted in them.
I’m not saying we should never get upset or angry over the actions of others. But it is helpful to remember this: Jesus got angry at the money changers in the temple. He got so angry, he turned over their tables and drove them out of the temple. However, He turned around and sacrificed His life for those very people sitting at those tables! Romans 5:8 says while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. This verse reminds us that God sees our potential, even while we are being rebellious.
If we want to have 20/20 spiritual vision, we must see others through a biblical lens of faith. Hebrews 11:1 NIV says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” I want to challenge us to engage our faith and begin to see others through the lens of hope and possibilities. Nothing is impossible with God. He can take the vilest sinner and give them a new heart. May we begin to see others and the world around us through the lens of God potential. It won’t always be easy, but we can do so as we continually surrender our thoughts to the Holy Spirit’s Lordship. He will give us the proper lens to see through it we will listen to Him.
Cherry and I hope you have enjoyed our discussions this month. We would love to hear your thoughts on seeing the world around us through God’s eyes. Let’s keep the conversation going in our Facebook group, She Rises. Hope to see you there!
