Do you sometimes feel like you view this world from the wrong side of the glass? 

I watched the news and almost every story related to the death of Kobe Bryant. I found myself wondering about the others who were on the helicopter. Everyone’s life matters. Which of them had a relationship with Jesus that will bring their families comfort for these hard days? 

I’m sitting in front of my computer and my only thought is, “Why is the world so consumed by the death of a famous basketball player?” 

There have been countless versions of the story, endless details, and multiple interviews. I’ve not seen one interview that expressed concern for the eternal lives of the people on that helicopter. I’ve not heard a family member express a word about their faith.  

I finally realized my great sadness in this terrible tragedy is that I think the world is grieving the loss of someone they cared very much about, but many of them are grieving without hope. Jesus, the most famous person who ever walked this planet, can help them. 

Who is saying that to these families? 

I realized I was watching all of these reports with my own grief, from the other side of the glass. I was grieving for people who might have made sports an idol. I was grieving for spouses and other family members who were left behind. I was grieving for children who would never know their siblings. And some who would never really know their moms or their dads.

I grew up in California and I have seen fog so thick you couldn’t see the tree just outside the window. I grieved what I believe was a really bad choice that caused this terrible tragedy. But, this isn’t a time for blame; it’s a time to comfort. 

Frankly, my cup “runneth under” this morning. I need to refill it for the many conversations and questions ahead. 

Do you feel the same way? 

What do you do when your cup runneth under?  

Everyone needs Jesus, but so many want something else—something less. 

Christians have a job to do during these days of grief. We will hear a lot of people discuss this tragedy. We need the power to share God’s truth and we need the Holy Spirit to lead. We need God’s wisdom and strength. But what should we do when our cup runneth under, as it often does? 

God’s word has the answer. 

1. See things with God’s perspective. 

Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” 

Turn the television off, shut the lid on your computer, and look to the sunrise, sunsets, and all that is God’s creation. Realize that we who are Christians aren’t the ones viewing the world from the wrong side of the glass. We’ve already crossed over, and we see things from the other side. 

The other side of the glass is simply the ability to see things with God’s perspective. Jesus was in the world but never of the world. Those who are “in Christ” will often feel that same way.

2. Value the eternal rewards. 

Second Corinthians 4:18 says, “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 

Christians can’t view people’s fame the same way others do. We have higher standards for the things we value. If a reward doesn’t last forever, it isn’t really worth our effort. 

3. Install new batteries as needed. 

Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” 

It’s okay to feel like your cup runneth under. God actually designed our bodies and souls to run on the  strength of his might. He wanted us to need him. 

So, we have been manufactured by God to need new batteries, and God is our only reliable source. We have all installed those cheap batteries. They might work for a while, but, in the end, they weren’t worth the price.

When your cup runneth under

How bright is the light of your witness today? 

The answer to that question will help you know what to do next. 

If your cup runneth under, it’s best to recognize your need and do what is necessary to gain strength from God. He wants to speak and share his love through us, so we need to be usable. Our strength and wisdom will be insufficient for these days. God’s is limitless and perfect. We need to be careful to speak through his Spirit, or not speak at all. 

Christians will always see things in the world from the other side of the glass. We are supposed to. But our light shines through that glass to those on the other side. How will you carefully submit your witness to God? 

It is okay to feel used up sometimes. Running low on strength probably means you are doing your job! 

It is also okay to take a break and do what is necessary to recharge your light. God made you to need time off and time away—with him. Remember what you were created for and seek God for the “strength of his might.”  

He created you to need him. That need will lead to your eternal rewards. You are able to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We have a culture that needs to witness that light today. 

The Lord will use you this week to speak.

The world has been reminded that nothing on earth is forever. Be careful to speak his words of comfort and help. Eternity can be their hope too. 

This tragedy will be redeemed by God, through those that serve his good purpose.  

I pray there will be more people who view life from the other side of the glass in the days that come.