Before COVID-19 upended the world, I spent a lot of time visiting people in the hospital. And one of the wonderful things about being a pastor in Temple, is that I only have to drive to one hospital. When I lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, I had to drive to multiple hospitals to make pastoral visits. It would eat up my entire day. Needless to say, I am very thankful for Baylor Scott and White Hospital.
Whenever I would walk through the halls of the hospital, if I saw someone wearing a mask, the first thought that would run through my mind was, “What was wrong with that person?”
If someone was wearing a mask, I didn’t want to get too close. I tried to stay as far away as possible. It was safer.
Things have changed.
Now, whenever I see someone not wearing a mask, the first thought that runs through my mind is, “What is wrong with that person?” I don’t want to get too close. I try to stay as far away as possible. It is safer.
My perspective has changed.
The bottom line is that we live in an incredibly unpredictable world filled with unexpected viruses, hurricanes, droughts, forest fires, cancer, heart attacks, car wrecks, pollution, divorce, drug addiction, corporate greed, the list goes on and on…..
It makes me think, “What is wrong with this world?”
But when I focus in a different direction, my perspective changes.
I see a world filled with incredible generosity, the laughter of children, couples who continue to love one another through thick and thin, scientists using their God given gifts to develop vaccines, medical personnel making incredible sacrifices to care for the sick, first responders taking action to save lives at a moment’s notice, our members bringing food and gifts to our church for those in need, the list goes on and on…..
It makes me think, “There is something right with this world.”
For those who follow Jesus Christ, our perspective is that there is always something beautiful, even in the midst of this fallen world. And while God expects us to address the ills around us, we are to do it from the perspective of grace, love, and joy. Everything depends on how we view life.
This is what Jesus meant by saying, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23)
Choose today to look through the lens of love. It will enable you to face the challenges of this day knowing there is someone walking with you. You are never alone.
This is what gives light in the darkness, joy in the midst of pain, and hope when all seems lost.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, let me see this world through your eyes. Give me the wisdom, resolve, and strength needed to make this world a better place. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
There’s a lot wrong with this world. There’s a lot right with this world. It all depends on how we see it.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 