II Timothy 4:8 "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
What is the most beautiful view you have ever seen in your life? Do you have something in mind? Without knowing your answer, I know something about your favorite view-it is probably a wide view. Whether it is a place in the Western U.S. or the panoramic skyline of New York City, the best views are broad views! There is no beauty when you are staring at the backpack of the guy in front of you; but after hiking into Grand Canyon, the broad view at the bottom is absolutely breathtaking!
What do see this morning? If all you can see is what is directly in front of you, you have a pretty sorry view! There is a broad view for your life today. Paul's immediate view was condemned ("For I am now ready to offered"), forsaken ("For Demas hath forsaken me. . . ."), and evil ("Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil. . . ."). However, the broad view gave perspective to the immediate. Paul had the broad view in mind when he said, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord . . . shall give me at that day. . . ."
When you have the broad view for your perspective, you can leave your enemies, opposition, and troubles in God's hands. Paul said of Alexander the coppersmith, "The Lord reward him according to his works." You can only have that perspective if you are focused on the broad view! Like Paul, you can confidently say today, "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me. . . ." You can have vision, a good attitude, and the right perspective if you keep in mind the broad view.
It is so easy to get caught up in the "here and now" and all the things that consume our time, attention, and money. Don't be a slave to the view immediately in front of you; ask God to help you see the broad view. And the next time you see a picturesque view, remember that the best view is the broad view!
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