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Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 4 March 22, 2009 Number 12
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Wrong Perspectives
A common precipitating cause of depression in many Christians is a wrong perspective. We live in an affluent society and in a society with many temptations. It is easy for Christians to get their eyes focused on the wrong perspectives. In Psalm 73:1-3, Asaph recorded the depression he suffered when he developed a wrong perspective: “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
In verses 16 and 17 of the same chapter, he finally got his perspective straight and his depression lifted: “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God, then understood I their end.” Moses, on the other hand, had a more godly perspective. In Hebrews 11:24-26, we read: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasure in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Because Moses had a godly perspective, he refused the pleasures of sin for he knew they would last but a season and would not give long-term meaning to his life. Many Christians with short-range perspectives will choose short-range behavior patterns such as taking drugs or having an affair in order to try to relieve the painful emotions they feel, but in the long run these behavior patterns only increase depression. These behavior patterns may give temporary relief, but only increase the pain over the long haul. Onthe contrary, an individual with a long range perspective will choose behavior patterns that he will sometimes not feel like following, such as memorizing the Scripture or studying the Bible daily, but in the long run, these behavior patterns will relieve painful emotions and enable the individual to feel good about himself.
A healthy perspective is to realize that only two tangible things will last forever-the Word of God and people. In Matthew 24:35, we read, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” In 2 Peter 3:10, we find that everything else will eventually be destroyed. A healthy perspective is to invest our lives in the only two things that have eternal significance - The Word of God and people.
An unhealthy perspective is to let Satan trick us into investing our lives in things that are obtained through sinful means and will not last, but give only temporary relief of emotional pain. A sound perspective is to spend our time raising healthy children and helping our family live godly lives.
(Frank Minieth, M.D. and Paul Meier, M.D. Happiness Is A Choice)
Prayer List
J. C. Hyche; Betty Moore (Becky’s mother); Charles York (Lisa’s dad); Bill Nelson (Frieda’s dad); Steve Sells; Brandon Hodges; Teddi Jones; the Jones family; the Payne family; Ben White; Nan Crawford; Ronny Clements; Robert Kelley; Martha Eckert; Corey Boothe; Mary Merrell; Catherine Hollis; Adam Pilling.
Upcoming Activities & News
Fire Department Boxes: We are putting together boxes to be given to victims of home fires. Please see the bulletin board for items needed!
Scripture Reading Today: 2 Pet. 3:8-18
Sympathy: to the family of Gene Hale who passed away last week-end. Funeral services were last Sunday.
Gospel Meeting: Wade Webster will be the speaker at Munford on March 22-26.
Fellowship Meal: March 29th immediately following our morning worship! Plan to attend.
Fifth Sunday Prayer Service: March 29th we will have our evening prayer service. All of our Christian men are encouraged to participate.
Family Pictures: Everyone is encouraged to have their picture taken for our Picture Board in the foyer. Please see Heather.
Gospel Meeting: Spring Meeting - April 12 - 15! Speakers: Ashley Kizer, Shane Clark, Chuck Webster, Charles Box & Stanley Ryan.
“Too Busy”
A business man, harassed and discouraged from overwork, took his problem to a psychiatrist, who promptly told him to do less work; “furthermore” prescribed the doctor, “I want you to spend an hour each week in the cemetery.” “Why on earth do you want me to do that?” What could I do in the cemetery?” “Not much -- take it easy and look around. Get acquainted with some of the men already there and remember that they didn’t finish their work either. Nobody does, you know.” Well, it’s so, isn’t it? Many of us become involved in the affairs and responsibilities of life and feel we’ve not time to give faithful service to God...to study and meditate upon the Word of God ...no time to make a life -- “only to make a living.” Just “can’t take time off.” Yes YOU CAN! The world will go on as it has without countless others like you. (If you have too many irons in the fire, cool some of them down, and heat up for the Lord, and these other things will be added unto you - Matthew 6:33).