Seeing the big picture – in business, in parenting, in life – is essential. It helps you prioritize effectively, set better goals, and improve time management. It allows you make better long-term decisions because you understand where you’re headed. Having a vision of the bigger picture reinforces what’s important, which allows you to determine your true priorities.
As a Christian, understanding the Bible as a whole and seeing how all of it points to Jesus is crucial for seeing the big picture. Having a big picture understanding of God’s word leads to a more connected and comprehensive faith because, simply, you know Jesus better.
Seeing the big picture of the Bible and what it says about your life as a Christian is essential in making progress. While perfection is the goal, the big picture painted of the journey to get there allows us to live in grace and mercy. Paul wrote about this journey, and his words helps us still today in grasping the big picture journey we must all take as Christians.
“Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14, AMP)
The journey of progress toward perfection – to being Christlike – requires that we understand the life of Christ. It involves knowing our Biblical history, so we know what God has done, how his character works in the life of his people, and what he plans still to accomplish. With this understanding, we can let go of our mistakes, receive forgiveness, and move forward to the final goal of heaven.
As you aim for a big picture faith, seek to “actively press on” in your journey towards perfection. Pray for wisdom on the specific steps to take, but know they certainly involve time with God in his word and in prayer. They involve allowing the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and direct you along with a deepening relationship with Christ, your savior and Lord.
