Quotes about Perspective

God warns us to not get too attached to what's around us because it is temporary. We're told, "Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away."9

In contrast, the Bible says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."15 Patience comes from wisdom, and wisdom comes from hearing the perspective of others. Listening says, "I value your opinion, I care about our relationship, and you matter to me." The cliché is true: People don't care what we know until they know we care.

When you fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, and you realize that life is just preparation for eternity, you will begin to live differently. You will start living in light of eternity, and that will color how you handle every relationship, task, and circumstance. Suddenly many activities, goals, and even problems that seemed so important will appear trivial, petty, and unworthy of your attention. The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears.

Gratitude asks, "Why me? Why do I get all that I have?" David modeled this kind of gratitude when he prayed, "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"15 Years later, his son would write, "It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.

When you live in light of eternity, your focus changes from "How much pleasure am I getting out of life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?

To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. Second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long, so don't get too attached. Ask God to help you see life on earth as he sees it. David prayed, "Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more.

To change your life, you must change the way you think. Behind everything you do is a thought. Every behavior is motivated by a belief, and every action is prompted by an attitude.

Envy asks, "Why them? Why do they get what I don't have?" Gratitude asks, "Why me? Why do I get all that I have?" David

Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.

Gary wondered, 'If God intentionally made us all different, why should everyone be expected to love God in the same way?

You have to trust God even when you don't get what you want.

Focus on their feelings, not the facts. Begin with sympathy, not solutions.