Devotion 4.2.20

According to John Maxwell, there are two responses to adversity:  Seek advantage or see adversity. It is, as he notes, a matter of perspective.  What does that mean - a matter of perspective?

Without looking it up, in layman's terms, it means how we see things, our mental framework.  Maxwell jokes in a video series on leadership with the following:  "The optimist sees the glass half full.  The pessimist sees it half empty.  The realist sees the wrong glass.  And while the three of you were arguing about the glass, I drank the water.  Signed, the Opportunist"

The apostle Paul was someone who saw opportunity in adversity.  In Philippians 1, we hear Paul as he says, "...for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life of by death.  For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain..... I am hard pressed between the two.  My desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better.  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account." (19-24)

THAT'S perspective.  To die is to be with Christ.  To live is to proclaim the gospel.

We all face adversity, not just now, but on-going, so when we do, what is our perspective?  Do we see the darkness and fear the unknown?  Do we seek advantage in those moments?  To grow, to learn, to appreciate the here and now?  Do we spend time in quiet reflection and come out on the other side of adversity better for it?

Paul ministered from prison, from a ship wreck, in hostile territory, beaten....  Yet he held the faith and proclaimed the gospel, saying later in Philippians to focus.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (4:6.-8)

So, what are we focused on?  What keeps our attention?  At Lent, is it Christ and Him crucified?  Do we turn to him when we are anxious?  Do we turn our hearts to what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, or excellent?  Pray that we do think on these things.