What’s your default perspective? Have to vs. Get to.

Is your default perspective one of gratitude? Do you have a perspective of when you are asked or need to do something that you see it as something you “have to” or “get to” do? Do you realize how your perspective impacts how you see, act, and respond to the various situations? For instance, imagine being asked to go fill up the car with gas. Do you see it as a “get to” because are blessed enough to have a car or is it a “have to” because you were asked, and the car needs gas? How about being asked to clean up around the house? Do you see it as a “get to” because you are blessed enough to have a house or a “have to” because you see it as a chore and annoyance? As we consider our perspective today, let’s turn things around and stop making it a “have to” and choose to make it a “get to”. Watch how it will bring joy and peace to you. See how it will transform the feeling of anger, frustration, or disappointment to joy, pleasure, and excitement to get to do something with what God has provided you.

Let’s ponder what God’s Word has to say about it:

A Heart of Gratitude in Every Task

The way we view our responsibilities and opportunities reflects our heart posture. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” When we adopt the “get to” perspective, we align our hearts with a spirit of gratitude, recognizing that even the mundane tasks are opportunities to serve God. Consequently, filling up the car with gas becomes an act of stewardship, cleaning the house becomes a reflection of God’s provision, and every task becomes an offering of worship.

Following Jesus’ Example of Service

Jesus modeled this “get to” mindset in His earthly ministry. In John 13:14-15, after washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” Jesus didn’t see serving others as a burden but as a privilege to glorify the Father and demonstrate love. Likewise, we can approach service in our homes, workplaces, and communities not as “have to” tasks but as Christ-like acts of love.

Thankfulness as a Way of Life

The “get to” perspective also cultivates a spirit of thanksgiving. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul exhorts believers to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we shift our mindset, even challenging situations can be met with joy. Instead of dreading another responsibility, we thank God for entrusting us with resources, relationships, and opportunities to grow.

Perspective: Responding with Purpose and Light

Practically, this means pausing to reflect before responding. If you’re asked to do something, stop and ask, “How is this an opportunity to glorify God or bless others?” Whether it’s a work assignment or a family task, see it as a chance to showcase God’s love and faithfulness. Philippians 2:14-15 encourages us to “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” By choosing gratitude, we shine as examples of God’s joy.

Perspective: Setting a Legacy of Gratitude for Your Family

Lastly, think about how modeling this attitude impacts others, especially your children. When they see you approach responsibilities with a joyful “get to” mindset, they learn to adopt the same perspective. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Your attitude sets the tone for your family. Lead with gratitude, showing that every task is an opportunity to honor God and steward His blessings.

Shifting Perspective to Embrace God’s Blessings

As we reflect on the difference between “have to” and “get to,” it becomes clear that our perspective shapes not only our actions but also our relationship with God and others. By choosing gratitude, we open our hearts to see each task as an opportunity to serve, grow, and shine for God’s glory. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” When we view life through the lens of “get to,” we experience renewed joy and purpose. Let’s challenge ourselves daily to approach every responsibility with thanksgiving, trusting that God is working through even the smallest acts of obedience. In doing so, we not only honor Him but also leave a legacy of faith and gratitude for those who follow.

TOPIC: IT’S A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

Verse: Psalms 107:43

‘Who is wise? Let him observe and heed these things; And [thoughtfully] consider the lovingkindness of the Lord.’

Let’s be the dads who observe and head these things:

• God’s Deliverance from Distress
  The psalm speaks of people wandering in the wilderness, sitting in darkness and chains, and facing storms at sea. Each time, they cried out to God, and He delivered them (verses 6, 13, 19, 28).
• The Transformative Power of God
• It highlights how God turns deserts into pools of water, provides for the hungry, and restores the afflicted, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and circumstances (verses 33-38).
• The Call to Thankfulness
• The repeated refrain, “Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man” (verses 8, 15, 21, 31), calls us to respond with gratitude for God’s mercy and provision.
• God’s Justice and Compassion
• The psalm also contrasts the experiences of the wicked and the righteous, showing God’s justice in humbling the proud and lifting the needy (verses 39-42).
• Reflection on God’s Steadfast Love
• The overarching message is to recognize and meditate on the steadfast love of the Lord—His covenant faithfulness to His people.

Let’s be the dads, reflecting on “these things” in Psalm 107 can transform how we live and lead. Take time to recall how God has delivered and provided for us, using those memories as a foundation for gratitude and faith. Share these stories of God’s faithfulness with our wife and kids, showing them how to trust Him in their own lives. Model wisdom by meditating on God’s Word and living in alignment with His truth, demonstrating to our family what it looks like to rely on God in every situation. When we embrace God’s steadfast love, we become the dads He created us to be—faithful leaders who reflect His love, a steady foundation for our wives, a source of encouragement and guidance for our kids, and a light in a world desperately in need of hope.

A Perspective that’s missing out on what there is to be thankful for

Today’s Devotional kicks off with a story of a women engaging with and encouraging a man “who had a sour expression on his face.” His focus or perspective on what he didn’t have or was missing out on which was keeping him away from realizing all that he had to be thankful for. There is always something we can be thankful for.

A Perspective of Thanksgiving

Today’s Devotional continues to speak about the impact of our perspective. It quotes how “Helen Keller noted, ‘I have often thought it would be a blessing if each human being were stricken blind and deaf for a few days at some time during his early adult life. Darkness would make him more appreciative of sight; silence would teach him the joys of sound.’” Today’s Devotional speaks to the reality that “if we try, we can always stop and find something to be thankful for!“

Challenge: Consider each blessing you have in your life

Today’s Devotional closes with the reality that “we continually experience so many blessings in our lives” that we become numb to it and even “take them for granted.” Remember, “we experience God’s mercies anew every morning.” Even in the midst of having been out of work for over 7 months now, as we read today, “we can find so many reasons to thank God.” I know for me I have come to the realization that had I been working I would have or could have missed out on so many quality family moments this year.

Challenge: Every day find reasons to thank God and make thanksgiving the theme of our daily prayers.

“Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.”

HELEN KELLER