LightGrams
October 26, 2023
Volume 27, Number 29
Those who take vacations to the beach know that a room or a house with an ocean view means a higher rental rate. Many are willing to pay it, though, as watching the rolling waves can be relaxing.
Thanks to a company named LiquidView, you can now choose an ocean view without leaving for the beach. These virtual windows will show various scenes throughout the day, and you’ll feel as if you are on the beach, on the mountain, in the park, etc. The scenes are filmed by professional cinematographers in 24-hour loops in high definition, so you won’t ever have to see that dull or ugly view you’re accustomed to seeing from your home or office. These digital windows, introduced in 2022, are apparently making a splash. Without a doubt the price will be high.
What if I grow tired of seeing that same beach scene day after day? No worries; LiquidView promises “an ever expanding content library” that you can browse from your iPhone. Had enough of the mountains? Just head for the ski slopes of Colorado, a view from a Manhattan skyscraper, or an evening in the Nevada desert. It sounds like a win-win (for those who can afford the price).
I don’t expect to ever own property that features such a luxury option, but I have already found a way to choose my views. When I tire of this world and the sorrow and suffering apparent everywhere, I know how to cope.
Here is the concept, found in Colossians 3:1-3: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” By lifting our sights to things above, our view changes for the better.
If we’re running low on motivation, here’s another example of choosing our view: “… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1,2). By focusing on Jesus, our appreciation for Him grows and we are moved to be even more diligent in following Him.
The Bible has a number of similar passages, all of which will lift our spirits, renew our zeal, and strengthen our love for the Lord. But to gain these benefits we must “choose” our views. Emotions can lead to depression or despair. Choosing to think on the things of God will improve our moods.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight,” Paul reminds us (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith means seeing things that others can’t / won’t see (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is offered freely to anyone who desires to choose their views of life, but Christ won’t force it upon us. He stands at our door and knocks, but He won’t batter it down (Revelation 3:20).
Are you weary of the views this world presents to you daily? Maybe it’s time to choose a better view. Open your Bible and get started.
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2023, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “Tim@GraceMine.org” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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