Reading With A Different Lens

Read

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Think

Imagine for a moment that you’re putting on a pair of glasses each morning. What if, instead of seeing the world through the lens of culture or personal opinion, you saw everything through Scripture? The Bible becomes the filter, clarifying the truth in a way the world never can. Missionary Elisabeth Elliot once said, “The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our crookedness.” When we allow Scripture to shape how we see the world, it exposes the flawed messages of culture and redirects us toward God's truth.

The world tells us all kinds of things—“live your truth,” “follow your heart,” or “do whatever makes you happy.” It says sincerity is enough to justify any belief. But the Bible takes a much more grounded approach: it tells us that Jesus is the truth, not just a truth (John 14:6). The world says, “Look out for number one,” but the Bible urges us to “look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). The world says, “Don’t get mad. Get even,” but Jesus flips that script too, calling us to love our enemies and pray for those who hurt us. The contrast couldn’t be more clear.

Reading the Bible not as a self-help manual but as God's true and living Word transforms us. It doesn’t just inform our thinking; it reshapes it. Suddenly, our priorities change. We start seeing people the way God sees them—not as obstacles or opportunities but as souls in need of grace, just like us. The Bible becomes our compass, guiding us to live in ways that seem radical to the world but are perfectly aligned with God’s heart.

So tomorrow, when you grab your morning coffee, put on those metaphorical "gospel lenses" and ask yourself: How can I see the world differently today through God's eyes? What if, instead of chasing the kingdom of "me," I pursued the Kingdom of God with everything I have? It’s not just about what we believe—it’s about letting the truth of the Bible transform the way we live.

Apply

Intentionally take one area of your life—a relationship, a decision, or a challenge—and look at it through the lens of Scripture. Ask yourself, “What does God’s Word say about this?” and let that truth shape your response.

Pray

Lord, help me to see the world through your eyes. Teach me to put on the lens of your Word daily so that I can live according to your truth and not be swayed by the world’s views. Transform my mind and heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.