Viewpoint

<<perspective, opinion>>

We all have biased opinions, influenced by tradition, cultural beliefs, family conditioning and thought patterns; lacking all the facts and having tarnished emotions we need others to make us aware of our blind spots, and maybe present a different perspective. Be open to the ideas of others by considering their input and advice for with many counsellors there is safety (Prov 11:14, 24:6). The twelve spies of the Promised Land experienced the same situations yet there were two completely different opinions expressed – some said “we can certainly take the land” while others said “we can’t” do it (Num 13:27-33).

Faith in the ability of God, His character and will, along with a positive mental attitude, are essential to live a victorious life. Satan would have us live in fear, with a negative mental attitude keeping us in

The person who thinks they can, and the person who thinks they can’t are both right! Which one are you?

bondage, and so not entering in to the victory Christ gained for us at the cross. Goliath presented a challenge to the Israelites’ army who reacted in fear by running away. In contrast, David had a different spirit and viewpoint. He ran towards the giant, confident this was the Lord’s battle, and was victorious over the enemy (1 Sam 17:24,47-50).

Many of the Proverbs contrast man’s foolish ways against God’s wisdom. The writer of Psalm 73 was despondent when he compared his problems with the apparent carefree existence of the wicked until he understood their ultimate end (Ps 73:16,17). For a short time Satan considered he had won the battle when Jesus died on the cross – the crucifixion seems foolishness to those who are perishing, yet to Christians it is God’s wisdom displayed and their salvation (1 Cor 1:23-25). Christ’s resurrection demonstrated the limitation of Satan’s perception. Satan's eternal torment will reinforce the error of his way (Rev 20:10).

We will either hold to our own human view or God’s – these are often in complete contrast to one another (Ps 1:1,2; Isa 55:8,9). Don’t negate or argue with God’s Word which is truth, as revealed in Jesus, and is to be our blueprint for life (Jn 8:32,36, 14:6; Gal 5:10). The Bible's clear teaching is not open to human manipulation and debate – it is to

Our viewpoint must come into submission to the Bible

be obeyed (Mt 7:24-27). There should be unity in the non-negotiable aspects of the gospel yet allowing for diversity of application (1 Cor 1:10; 1 Tim 6:3-5). If the Bible is not specific about a matter, and provided it is legal, honest and doesn’t cause another to stumble we are free to hold our own views, though aware they may not always be constructive or beneficial (Rom 14:2,3; 1 Cor 10:23,31,32).

There is nothing wrong with having robust constructive discussions, that bring to light people's differing perspectives on a topic provided it doesn't resort to attacking the individuals but stays on the issue. The relationship should be just as strong after the debate as before, even if you part with each still firmly convinced of their viewpoint. Conflicts and arguments arise from not seeing or appreciating another’s view while maintaining your way is the only way and expecting the other party to change. If you still honestly believe you are right hold to your opinions without losing respect for the other person who is entitled to hold a different view – be tolerant of their stance, focusing on the unity that you have in common, rather than the differences that would tend to divide. After all, in non-essential issues there are no lasting ramifications. Because of different approaches Paul and Peter had a disagreement which resulted in two evangelistic teams rather than one but they still contributed to extending the Kingdom of God (Gal 2:11-21).

A person who is pure of heart sees goodness and purity in everything, while a person whose own heart is evil and untrusting finds evil in everything, their corrupt mind and rebellious heart taints everything they see and hear (Tit 1:15). Our viewpoint affects those around us.

The false religions of the world consider ‘salvation’ is by works as this appeals to man’s pride and his desire to be in control and seems right in their eyes, yet in ends in spiritual death (eternal damnation) because it has the wrong foundation (Prov 14:12). In contrast biblical Christianity teaches salvation is a gift of God and not of works “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph 2:8,9; Tit 3:4,5). While good works do not result in salvation, they will always be characteristic of one who has been born again. Good works are not the cause of salvation; they are the evidence of it (Jas 2:14-26). ‘Self-effort salvation’ by works is the inaccurate viewpoint of unregenerate people who do not understand the extent of their own sinfulness or of God’s holiness (Isa 6:1-5, 64:6).