Perspective Shift: Student EditionSample

Do you ever feel like you're climbing a ladder, only to realize it's leaning against the wrong wall? Paul had an impressive resume and was passionate about his religious pursuits, but he was climbing the wrong ladder. Then he encountered God. Struck blind for three days, he received a new God-given mission; his eyes were opened, both physically and spiritually. Jesus became the centre of his life, redirecting his passions and pursuits for divine purposes. Paul had to let go of the things he accomplished and his identity among friends, to truly find his focus in Christ. Like Paul, we might achieve worldly success but still lack spiritual significance; we have to submit our lives to the Lordship of Christ to lead a truly focused life. Our relationship with Jesus gives us the power, perspective, and purpose we need to make an eternal impact! The key to a fulfilling life isn't climbing the ladder of success, but instead making sure that ladder is propped against the right wall. In Christ, we find our true focus, where our passions and pursuits align with an eternal purpose.

• Recite this week's memory verse: "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
• Do you feel like your ladder is leaning against the right or wrong wall? Why?
• What are you holding on to that may be standing in the way of a focused life in Christ?