Perspective

Author A.W. Tozer (best last name ever) said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Tozer is arguing how we perceive God should be of the utmost importance to us. However, author C.S. Lewis shares, “How God thinks of us is not only more important but infinitely more important. Indeed, how we think of Him is of no importance except as it relates to how He thinks of us.” Ok, then, who’s correct? With all due respect to both well-renowned authors – I say both, and we see these perspectives in Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep, coin, and son (Luke 15:1-31).
 
Our Lord begins by telling the story of a shepherd of a hundred sheep who leaves the other ninety-nine if one is lost (Luke 15:4-5) and rejoices with others because he found his lost sheep (v.6). This same joy of discovering what is lost is evident in the parable of the lost coin (v.8-10) – both with the message of celebration in heaven due to the repentance of one sinner (v.7,10). Jesus describes how God sees us (valuable) and His concern for us. The parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32) reflects not only the deep love of our Father in heaven (vv.22-23) but also how an inaccurate view of who God is can influence our decisions (vv.12-16) and harden our hearts (vv.25-29). Remember, know God is love (1 John 4:7-21), and He sees You as His child (Ephesians 1:3-6).

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