Attending to the Big Picture

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,² Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.³ Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.- Hebrews 12:1-3(AMP)

Since I am at the verge of completing my degree, every time I write a cover letter, I always write about the fact that I am able to attend to small details while focusing on the big picture. Even though, I have only been truly able to understand this idea recently.

At the beginning of my Masters’ course, I was conflicted because I wasn’t sure how to balance being a child of God with being an international development student. It was scary!Having grown up in a Christian home, I did/do know more about the topic of religion than any other subject and it bothered me that I didn’t know as much when it came to development.

However, I have come to understand that being a Christian isn’t part of who I am. It is my core. I AM A CHILD OF GOD before anything else. I am a follower of Jesus before anything else and yes, while I invest huge amounts of time in my academics,time with Jesus is irreplaceable.

^{4 [a]}Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! ²⁵ Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a ^[b]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. ²⁷ But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service]- 1 Corinthians 24-27(AMP)

I am definitely not saying everyone should become a preacher or should abandon really important aspects of life. I am just writing to encourage someone to attend to the little things while focusing on the big picture. Don’t say ” I don’t have time”, we’ll always have time for things we consider important to us. For example, runners attend to the detail of lifting one leg after another while being very focused on the “big picture” of the destination and getting a medal.

Jesus is still God, He still loves you and wants a relationship with you.Moreover, you’ll die soon (between fifty to sixty years from now) and will have to face Him eventually .

Think about this!

²⁴ For all flesh (mankind) is like grass, and all its glory (honor) like [the] flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower drops off,²⁵ But the Word of the Lord (^[a]divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever ! 1 Peter 1:24-25a (AMP)

You are Loved

Favour