Perspective in the Crazy

Perspective – “A particular attitude towards something or a way of looking at something. A point of view”

As Christians we are called to hold a Godly, biblical perspective! Not one based on all the things I listed above… We call this a biblical worldview

We must know God! We have to be determined to see things not from our own perspective because our perspective will always lead us astray.

John 17:3 ESV And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

The Greek word for “know” here is “ginosko” and it means to understand…It is an intimate word! Do you know about God or do you have an intimate relationship with God?

Daniel knew God and saw things from God’s perspective – This is how he was able to thrive in such a confusing and hostile environment.

We know God through His Word.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The Bible is LIVING and the words that we read in scripture are Powerful. Powerful enough to change the way that we see the world around us (Our Perspective). Think about this – We know that Daniel KNEW the Word of God. We see this in the story of Daniel:

Daniel 1:8a But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.

Daniel would have known LEVITICUS 17:10: “If any one of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn among them eats any blood, I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from among his people.

So often Christians try to live an obedient life based solely on a “Because the Bible says so mindset”…This doesn’t last! It is our RELATIONSHIP with God that motivates us to be truly obedient!

Romans 2:2-4 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

We know God by spending time with Him in Prayer.
Unfortunately many Christians view prayer as a last ditch effort when nothing else works. Daniel models a prayer life that reflects a true relationship with God…
Daniel 6:7-9 7 All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.

What does Daniel do? HE PRAYS!

Daniel 6:10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

The bible doesn’t tell us exactly what Daniel was praying for. Maybe Daniel was praying for perspective? When was the last time you simply stopped asking God to solve your problems but instead asked God to give you a clear understanding of how to live in this crazy world we live in…

We know God through His people.
We talk about relationship often here at Real Life Ministries and there is a reason for this! We were created to be in relationship!

As Christians it is through our relationships with other believers that we grow in our relationship with God!

Have you ever had a brother or sister in Christ to:
• Encourage you?
• Challenge you?
• Help you navigate difficult life situations?

Remember what happened in Daniel Chapter 2:

Daniel 2:17-18 ESV 17 Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Proverbs 27:9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel

Part of learning to have Godly, biblical perspective comes from having Godly, biblical relationships.

Colossians 3:1-3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Life Group Questions
1. Read Daniel 2:24-45, Daniel 6:10; Daniel 9:1-3. What do you see in Daniel as he seeks wisdom, perspective and hope? What promises does he have to hold on to?
2. What promises from God do you hold on to? How do they impact your perspective in the midst of situations?
3. Take a look at Colossians 3:1-3. What helps you gain perspective? What can challenge that focus? What promises, habits or practices help you set your heart on living with Christ?
4. Read John 17:20-23 & Romans 14:1-13, 14:19-15:1, 15:5-7 Why is unity amongst the followers of Christ important? What perspective of God and of fellow Christ followers impacts how you seek unity?
5. What can be disruptive to unity with fellow believers in your life? How do you have unity when you have different approaches to various things? What do you think is your part in seeking unity?
6. As we conclude Daniel what stands out to you? And how will you respond to what God has shown you?