Big Picture Thinking

Big Picture Thinking

January 23, 2019

One of the marks of maturity is the ability to see life from a larger perspective. A child’s ability to do this is limited, but as we grow in years and gain insight, we develop a sense of seeing the immediate in light of the past and future. In a crowd of people, a child sees only a sea of knees – it must be rather frightening. We must lift them up in order for them to see the faces of actual people.

To a child, a broken toy is a crisis, but to an adult it is a small matter compared to a broken relationship. A bruised elbow is a big deal to a child, but it seems rather trivial to an adult whose loved one has a terminal illness. Maturity should bring big picture thinking and make a significant difference in the way we handle life challenges.

It is good for me to ponder how Creator God views my situation from His big picture. I may consider how to help one individual make good life choices, but God thinks about all people and offers His way for them to enjoy the best life possible. I may face a financial challenge with uncertainty, but God owns everything and views my situation through His wealth.

I admit to being annoyed by ants, but they have a lot to teach about big picture thinking. If they are able to look up, the world must seem overwhelmingly large and intimidating. However, it does not stop them from building a home and traveling long distances for what they need. If they knew we were about to destroy their work, they might give up – but they do not. Proverbs 6:6-8 reminds us to follow their big picture approach to life.

I need to ponder more of God’s perspective and let that determine my own. It is human nature to do the opposite, but we limit our joy and usefulness when we fall into this childish way of thinking. Maturing is a challenging but necessary process, and big picture thinking answers many of our questions.

Pastor Bill Ehmann

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RECENT POSTS

Enemies

By wvbaptist | July 27, 2018 | 0 Comments

July 25, 2018 Reading through the Psalms, I have pondered who or what was on David’s mind when he talked about taking refuge in God for protection from his enemies. The books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles list some of […]

Covenant Living

By wvbaptist | July 18, 2018 | 0 Comments

July 18, 2018 My mind is on “covenants” this week as I prepare to talk on Sunday about “The New Covenant” from Hebrews chapter 8. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word:  a binding and solemn agreement to do or keep from […]

Does God Owe Us Anything?

By wvbaptist | July 12, 2018 | 0 Comments

July 11, 2018 The opening pages of the Bible reveal a Creator God Who made a variety of beautiful things, including humans. He placed them in an amazing garden and gave them a life beyond our imagination. The story also […]

Grateful for Our Country

By wvbaptist | July 5, 2018 | 0 Comments

July 5, 2018 Another July 4th is history, and I paused to consider the significance of the celebration. I read The Declaration of Independence and portions of The Constitution of The United States of America and was reminded of the […]

Happy Hurting

By wvbaptist | June 28, 2018 | 0 Comments

June 27, 2018 It is natural for humans to try to avoid hurting. When given a choice to experience something that makes us feel good or something that hurts, most likely we would choose to feel good. While I would […]

Scroll to Top