“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2, Christian Standard Bible).
A few months ago, I discovered an app for my cell phone called Bible Lens that has been fun to use. The app will go into my photo file and suggest verses of Scripture to illustrate the photo. For example, the app pulled a photo of my niece in her graduation cap and gown and added Jeremiah 29:11 to the design: “For I know the plans I have for you.” On a photo of me with friends, the app suggested I John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.” Both selections were uncannily appropriate. The app looks at my life and applies a biblical lens.
I started thinking about what a lens does. We find them everywhere—car headlights, flashlights, telescopes, microscopes, cameras, LED lights, and even our own eyes. Our eye’s lens helps us see things better by helping focus light, or an image, on the retina. Without a clear lens, as in someone with cataracts, our vision is impaired. We all need clear vision to navigate life safely.
Life Through a Biblical Lens
God’s Word gives insights for how we can successfully navigate life. As Romans 12:2 tells us, the world would like us to conform to its view, but it’s essential that we use the biblical lens to live in the life God desires. We need to live through His perspective, not the perspective of the world. Colossians 2:8 warns us of this.
“Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ” (Colossians 2:8, CSB).
Looking through a biblical lens changes how I approach life and living for God. I realize:
- I am made in God’s image, so I must view myself His special creation (Genesis 1:26-27).
- I am redeemed by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7).
- God loves me with an amazing love (Romans 8:37-39).
- God has a purpose for my life and will reveal that purpose to me (Philippians 1:9-11).
As we study God’s Word and apply it to our life, it gives us the direction we need to live a successful Christian life.
“Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:4-5, NKJV).
Prayer: Lord, this world would like me to filter my life through its lens rather than Yours. Instead, show me how You want me to live. Let Your Word come alive in my life. Show me Your purpose and Your will in all I do.
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