Stepping Stones: “World-Eyes” or “Christ-Eyes?”

Transformational Thought

Jesus doesn't look at how much we have in our bank account, or how talented we are, or what background we come from. He looks at our hearts. He approached corrupt tax collectors, prostitutes, criminals, and adulteresses in such an un-politically correct way. When you look at people, do you have a worldly point of view or a Christ-like point of view?

A worldly point of view considers how a person looks … what a person possesses or lacks … or who a person knows. Financially well-to-do people may avoid associating with the working class. People in lower income brackets may assume that everyone with money is stuck-up and unkind. But Jesus doesn't see people on a ledger sheet. He sees each of us as an individual with needs, desires, wounds, and feelings.

Are there people you avoid because of their social or financial standing, vocabulary, skin color, neighborhood, or behaviors? Remember that they are God's creation … just like you. A successful businessperson who seems aloof may need a friend to talk to. Another person might not have the college degrees you have, but could have godly wisdom that would make a difference in your life.

Remember, these people aren’t in your life by mistake. God is perfect and has a great plan to develop you … a plan customized specifically for you. The people in your life come from specific backgrounds, experiences, and cultures … have certain skills and deficits … and do things God knew they would do just to move you closer to the incredible goal God has for you – the mind of Christ and an intimate relationship with God Himself.

We certainly want you to be prayerful as you enter into new relationships. Your prayerful focus needs to be, “How can I influence them to be more Christ-like, or how can they influence me to become more Christ-like?” Sometimes the influence is through verbal discussion, sometimes through actions, and sometimes both. The influence could be immediate, or it could evolve over several years as you develop a relationship with them.

Today, take notice of what kind of lenses you use while viewing people, because your lenses reveal your heart. Does your heart beat in sync with God’s heart … or the world’s? Be intentional about leaving behind the worldly point of view with all its prejudices and misconceptions. Ask God to help you see people through His eyes and reach out to them with His love.

Prayer
Dear All-Loving God, Help me to evaluate people not by what they have or how they look. Help me to have a Christ-like point of view and to respond to the real person, not to what I see on the surface. Let Your peace be real to me when my fears surface and cripple my mind, so I can overcome and respond in a way that honors You and grows me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who looked beyond my physical body, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know.
2 Corinthians 5:16

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
1 Peter 1:13-15