Living in the Big Picture
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:14
In the book of James we are told that our lives disappear like a vapor. Therefore, it is important to use our time wisely to serve the Lord. Do we live our lives according to God’s plan and pray that we will live and do this or that according to his will? Is it necessary for Christians to see the big picture; to see life in this temporary world from the eyes of God? If we see the world from God’s perspective we will understand the purpose God has for everything that happens in this world.
When we see the big picture we understand that this temporary life is nothing in comparison to our eternal life with the Lord. We weren’t created to live in a fallen world, but God uses this life to separate those who want to know him from those who reject him and follow the prince of the air. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18) If we live viewing life from the big picture, then the eyes of our hearts will be fixed on what is unseen; our eternal life.
If we are not seeing life from the big eternal picture, then we will see life from the temporary world view. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:19) Living in the big picture is attempting to see everything from God’s perspective. God looks at our earthly life with the purpose of filling us with his Spirit, molding us to the mind and heart of Christ, and bringing us home to live with him forever. When we live knowing we have eternal life with the Lord, it enables us to overcome the world. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
Live in the big picture because it makes this life look like the small picture. We come to realize this life is short and the reason we live in this fallen world is to choose Christ in this life and be with him in our eternal life. Seeing the big picture helps us to live for our eternal lives, which makes it easier and less fearful living in this sinful world.
Today, live in the big picture, knowing you have eternal life, and make being Christ-like your priority. Live with love, peace, and joy, knowing everything is temporary and in God’s hands. You are sealed for eternity through the Holy Spirit and your eternal life has already started.
Let’s pray: Lord, help me to see this world and my life from your view, the big picture. Help me to understand and live knowing everything is destined for bringing your family home to live with you for all eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.