Yesterday I posted this picture and asked, “What do you see?”
So many responded, thank you. Thoughts such as, “I see a secure home.” “I see isolation and depression lurking.” “I see a face in the cloud.” “I see God’s face looking down.”
I too see clouds, a beautiful home, God’s creative beauty and opulence. But there are different levels of “seeing.” When I first saw this picture, I saw with my physical eyes. It didn’t take me long, however, to see with my soul. “Wow, if I could have a dwelling like that, I would be happy!” “I wish I could have been successful like the people who own this beautiful home.” So, when I see this picture I see complexity. I also had the thought, “I would sure hate to have to pay the taxes and insurance on a place like this.”
I John 2:16 says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” That is why Paul says, in 2 Corinthians 10:5 “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” This is where the 3G Lifestyle is an immense blessing to my life.
When my heart shouts at me with “stinkin thinkin” (Boy, would I be happy with a house like that) I IMMIDEATLY apply Grace to my thoughts, such as, “God, You have blessed me with far more than I deserve and the house You allow me to live in is far more than adequate – it is a haven of beauty and joy. I am so thankful with what I have.” Deciding to “take my thoughts captive” and choosing to focus on Grace automatically produces Gratitude in my heart for God’s undeserved goodness, which leads me to be Generous with what God has given me.
My Adamic nature is still filled with envy, lust, pride and a host of other sinful thoughts and desires. Thank you, Jesus, that there is a way to “reframe” my inner life and make it “captive” to God’s perspective: Grace, Gratitude and Generosity.
