A Perfect Perspective

God is worthy of our worship. We love Him because of what he has done for us and how he has given us a new outlook and direction in life. All of this is true, and it is a valid reason to love him in return.

But what about when our new direction is painful? What if the circumstances and situations in our life don't seem to change, despite our new outlook? We have an appreciation for God and it changes the way we see things, yet sometimes it does not change our surroundings. It does not change the fact that we are jobless. It does not change the fact that we need to pay bills (they don't go away). It does not change the way we are mistreated, hated, or misunderstood; sometimes, all three of these things.

Better yet, it doesn't provide an immediate global need. Starving children are not fed when we accept Christ. Homeless folks are not suddenly given a brighter future. Miracles do happen, but the world continues to be far from perfect despite our life-changing decisions.

Perfect God, imperfect society, unanswered questions; it's what you get when two dimensions of morality meet.

Unfortunately, life does not become perfect the moment we commit our lives to Christ. We still "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). There is still starvation, murder, adultery, and many other sins that contaminate the very image we were created in (Genesis 1:26). We are a fallen world, and committing our life to Christ is not a magic potion that changes everything immediately.

As you read this entry, African villages are still starved out. While we receive our food in five minutes, locals in third-world countries are searching for supplies for days on end. I would be upset too. I would wonder why God is not stopping this with one powerful command.

As we react to the world's problems, our emotions get the best of us. We are angry, bitter, and infuriated. Why shouldn't we be? People are starving! As a response, we blame the first Being capable of putting an end to the problems of this world. Like a president, football coach, or village leader, fingers also point to God when something goes wrong. He is questioned, interrogated, and insulted because no immediate help has come. On the basis of unmet needs, many begin to doubt God's existence or abilities - we limit God.

Atheists abound because God appears unable to rescue a society filled with disaster, hatred, poverty, and ruin. We murmur, "If God is so loving, why does he let these things happen?" or "Why would I want to believe in God when he lets genocides happen?" 

Valid point.

In fact, these questions are so good, even scholars cannot answer them. The fact is, there is no perfect answer, which is why this is the best answer:

Ask God.

Plain and simple. Ask God. He will give you clarity. He loves being asked those questions because it shows you care. It shows you desire to know what God is already in control of. Below are some Scriptures that encourage going to God:

1. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

2. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious in anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ." (Guard from what? The wrong answers.)

3. Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Jesus said that!)

4. James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

God is all-knowing. It is not just who He is that is perfect, but it is how He thinks too. As humans, we have a limited view, so our perspective will be limited as well. But, just because our perspective is limited, it does not mean we should limit Him. He is flawless, which means any wisdom he gives you is also flawless.

But, what can we do? How can we live out asking God and seeking wisdom? Here are a few things you can do (or not do):

1. Do not question God. He is perfect for a reason. Instead...
2. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances..." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
3. If you ask, ask with an open mind. You are not better than God, so don't think a question will stump Him.
4. Admit that you lack wisdom (James 1:5), and go to the two sources that have the answers (The Bible and God).
5. Romans 12:3 - "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement,  in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."
6. Do as the Lord commands, and leave the rest to Him. Psalm 112:1 - "Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands" and James 1:6 - "...But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." Do not ask to argue, but to believe and understand.

We will never fully understand God, but just because we do not understand His methods, does not mean He stops being God. He will not step down, retire, or withdraw his candidacy because people do not approve. Unfortunately, we do not have all of the answers.

Fortunately, we have access to the One who does through Jesus Christ. We can ask, seek, and understand through His lens, not ours. We love to act like we are in control, but once we admit that God is bigger than our greatest solutions, unanswered questions, and unsolvable problems, then we see God for who He really is.

After all, with a perfect God comes a perfect perspective.