No Perfect People Please #4

Read: Luke 4:18-19, Psalm 139:23-24


Did you know that there are men and women in buildings across the world that drive satellites? It’s like the ultimate remote-controlled air plane. I have a friend that does it in the Air Force. The satellites he drives around the circumference of the world give us incredible perspective. Jesus has got this satellite view on us- he can see where we’ve been and where we’re going. But he has also set up shop in our heart- a kind of satellite command center, if you will. He not only has the satellite view, he also sees the inner-workings of our life.

All in all, Jesus has a pretty accurate view of who we are. When the Psalmist prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts,” he verbalizes that God has a better perspective on our motives, desires and plans than we do. Even Paul the Apostle- the guy whose writings we get so much of our Christian theology from, writes, “I do not understand what I do.” (Romans 7:15) Have you felt that way before?

The good news is that Jesus has a solution to our perspective problem. In Luke 4: 18-19, Jesus offers his mission statement, and part of it promises to give blind people their site. We probably have to admit that we’re blind in order to receive healing. I for one, don’t want to pretend that I can see just fine as I slam head-long into the same problem over and over again.

Here are a few ways to gain godly perspective:

• Pray and ask God to open your blind eyes (if you say you’re eyes are just fine, that’s evidence of your delusion).

• Invite a few trusted people to give you some personal feedback about yourself (promise not to bite their head off as a thanks-offering).

• Go to a counselor, coach or mentor and pay for perspective (nothing like investing your finances in the pursuit of the truth about yourself).

Being honest about our limitations sets the context for heart change. It just means that we have a humble view of ourselves, and that we need God to help us. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).