Spiritual Perspectives

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)

Life is a thing of the Spirit of God. He is the Author of life, and at its core life is spiritual. It helps a great deal to develop spiritual perspectives on life, learning to see and understand things from God's point of view. The principles of life are found in every experience in history, and the Word of God lays down a pattern for life and living. Through the experiences of men, and through God's dealings with creation, we can learn the outcomes of certain situations in life.

The Scriptures tell us that the things that happened in ancient times, and that the men and women of old experienced, were written for our learning. We should take time to study the ways and works of God in the Bible, for they reveal a great deal about the patterns of God's operation, and through these accounts we can know clearly what will happen in similar situations.

When Adam disobeyed God, for example, he died. That is a spiritual principle: sin results in death, and everyone who sins and disobeys God will die. God sent the Flood upon the earth to destroy man and beast because of wickedness and corruption, and so we know that floods are not merely natural occurrences but judgements for spiritual transgressions committed in the earth. This is not nature's world; it is God's.

The same is true of the three years of famine in Israel. David asked God why, and God said it was because of the house of Saul, which had shed innocent blood. God did not give some scientific reason; the actions of men triggered the event. Even if you trace it through history, you will find that wherever extreme famine was experienced, there was bloodshed.

God said He has reserved hailstones for the day of judgement, and they were hurled on the enemies of Israel in the day of battle. When the Sabeans raided Job's property, it was Satan behind it. So the next time you are raided, Satan is involved. This is what it means to have a spiritual perspective: to understand things from God's point of view.

All these experiences in the Bible can help us acquire the right perspectives, and act accordingly in life. You do not sow orange seeds and reap a harvest of apples. Every choice has a predetermined outcome. You may have the power to choose, but you do not have the power to decide the consequences of your choices.

Spiritual perspectives give you insight into how life operates, and how to navigate it better. Study the Word of God. There is nothing new under the sun. The patterns of God are everywhere; you just have to train yourself to think along scriptural lines. The ancient paths will lead you to a fulfilled life.