Giving up our Perspectives

     I'm wondering this morning, how a person gets a broader perspective on things, specifically on the Body of Christ. When we first went to a foreign country, my husband and I were so excited that we got to see firsthand the ones who were different than us, who lived half-way around the world, who worshipped and loved our same Savior. The little song we had learned as children, "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight," came to life, as we went and mingled among them.
     When we came back, we naively thought that others in the Body of Christ, here in America, would also want to know about these other members and would be excited to hear about them. Since we had seen them first hand, we assumed others would question us about them, so they too could extend to them their love in some way, if only in showing interest.
     But, like all wishful thinking, it was only a false hope we had; not a living reality. Some said, "well, that's your gifting" or "there are a lot of needs in our own country, too," or even "we give on missions Sunday in our church." They feared that we were holding out our hand, so they would give, but in truth, all we wanted was to tell the Body here, about the Body there, hoping that they would at least acknowledge the world-wide Body of Christ, and possibly begin to love them too.
     Most Christians here, see the Body of Christ, as those who they know within the four walls of their church. Then there are a few more who will at least acknowledge other denominations in America, as part of that Body, (even though they don't mingle with them) but not beyond the borders of this country. Then a few more will go into other nations, in their minds, and will acknowledge their denominations only as the Body of Christ. And, then there are even fewer, who will see every soul, who declares Jesus as Lord, who comprises His Body no matter where they might live.
     Let's expand our vision!!! And, the question goes, 'how do I do that?' Because I believe it's God will for us not to "divide Christ" then, if someone wants to expand their perspective to line up with His perspective, then they just ask Him to break down whatever barriers they have in them to do that,  and mean it.
     Whenever we ask Him to do His work in us, we also know that it might mean painful times ahead. When He chisels and hammers us into His image, it hurts our flesh tremendously, and upsets the "status quo." Are we willing to die so that He might live His life through us? This means giving up our perspectives, so that they will be aligned with His, so that He can be glorified through us. Think about it, and respond accordingly. "Not my will, but Yours be done," was Jesus' response to that.