Perspective is arguably the most powerful of the three things we can control. How we view God will have an enormous impact on our ability to choose to trust Him. And the actions we take will inevitably be shaped by the perspective we choose.
It is quite interesting that the actual English word “perspective” is used so little by biblical translators. We did a search of 20 translations and found only one that uses the word “perspective.” The NET (New English Translation) uses it twice. In all the other translations, the perspective is presumed. Which is quite illustrative of the core issue with choosing perspective. It is a challenge to be intentional in choosing something that is so easy to presume. The NET translation of Psalm 39:5 (above) provides an illustration.
The NET rendering of 1 John 4:5 is also quite informative: They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world’s perspective and the world listens to them.
The world has a perspective. And if we adopt the world’s perspective, it is inevitable that we will choose actions that are worldly. Which will result in great loss for us.
Perspective is powerful. It informs our decisions. It influences the way we think. And the way we think determines the way we act. Choosing a perspective that is true transforms us from the world to God’s kingdom. It is a necessity if we are to achieve intentional living that leads us to meaning and fulfillment.