What Filter Do You Use?

We all view life through a filter developed over time and shaped by our life experiences, convictions, and beliefs. I spent a lot of last year trying to clean the smudges off my filter. The process hasn’t been easy, and I’m learning to accept that it’s an ongoing discipline. For instance, my past experiences with someone don’t need to define my future with them. Reconciliation has no time limit. Nor does a past wound need to define my present. It’s my choice, however, whether I give someone another chance or keep them at a distance. And one person’s cruel behavior doesn’t need to affect all other relationships.

I don’t always get this right. It feels safer to abide by the rule that says, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”

It’s a lot of work to pause and consider someone else’s perspective instead of just plowing full steam ahead with my preferred view of whatever is in front of me. But when I make the effort, something important happens. My filter changes, and I see things a little more through God’s eyes.

In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren begins with one short sentence that frames the entire focus for forty days of readings: It’s not about you. The reader must revisit this simple sentence with each principle Warren presents. It’s the filter to begin the process of answering the question What on earth am I here for?

Warren goes on to explain that focusing on ourselves will never lead us to understand our life purpose. I believe we can apply this principle—this filter—to most situations in life. What would change if we did a favor for our neighbor after reminding ourselves it’s not about us? How would our willingness to volunteer at our child’s school or our church shift? If we reminded ourselves it’s not about us, would we be willing to speak lovingly to that stranger who’s asking intrusive questions? Would we be quick to listen and slow to speak? If we paused to remind ourselves life isn’t about us, how would we apply the fruit of the Spirit differently? How could it change our marriages? Our places of work? Most importantly, how could reminding ourselves it’s not about us change our hearts toward God?

Does it seem like an impossible filter to implement?

Colossians 1:16 says, “In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (NIV).

We will fail if we try to press forward with our own filter, in our own strength. But with the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can keep God’s filter firmly attached and with discernment know how to apply it as situations arise.

It may be tempting to assume that people who are always reminding themselves life is not about them will become a doormat doing everything for everyone else. But Scripture shows us this doesn’t have to be the case.

In the book of Daniel, we read the story of a faithful man living in slavery in Babylon. Daniel was brought into King Nebuchadnezzar’s palace and given an important opportunity. He was one of many young men put into a training program for service to the king. This came with an allotment of rich foods and wine as well as education not extended to everyone living in Babylon.

Daniel desired to serve the king to the best of his ability, but he also chose to put God first.

• Daniel didn’t eat the king’s food and did not drink wine. (Chapter 1)
• Daniel interpreted the king’s dreams and gave God credit. (Chapter 2)
• Daniel chose to worship God, not the king, and then was thrown into the lions’ den. (Chapter 6)

Daniel also spent his time in the palace as a diligent student and hard worker. His attitude and work helped him rise to the top of the list as a trusted adviser interpreting many dreams for the king.

Daniel chose to trust that God was with him, and he treated everyone in his life with the understanding that life was not all about him and his preferences. He’s an awesome example of a servant leader who knew how to apply discernment in challenging situations.

So as 2019 begins, will you join me in striving to apply the “It’s not about you” filter? I can’t promise this road will be easy, but I wholeheartedly believe that with each choice, we can glorify God.

Beth Walker is a football coach’s wife and mom of two energetic boys. She strives to encourage those around her to pursue their best lives in Jesus whether she is near the game field, in church, or at the local coffee shop. As a writer, Beth has been striving to find her voice through seeing Jesus in the ordinary and extraordinary of daily life. She blogs at Lessons from the Sidelines.

Photograph © Aaron Burden, used with permission