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  NO FURTHER THAN NATURAL THINGS
  by Elisabeth Elliot
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Summary: The sermon teaches us to see beyond natural vision and to view
people and situations through the spiritual eye, as God sees them.

Topics: "Spiritual Growth", "Gods Purpose"
Scripture References: Isaiah 55:8, Romans 8:5, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 4:18, 1 John 4:7

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DESCRIPTION
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Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the difference between reacting with a
carnal mind versus a spiritual one when faced with mistreatment,
highlighting the importance of seeing beyond natural reactions to
perceive things from a spiritual perspective. She encourages using a
'spiritual eye' to view others as instruments for growth and
opportunities to show God's love, rather than sources of torment. This
shift in perception allows for a deeper understanding of God's purpose
in challenging situations and the potential for love and growth.

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CONTENT
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"Well, it's perfectly natural for you to feel that way," I was telling
myself when I was upset with the way someone had treated me. "It's a
normal reaction."

It was a normal reaction for a carnal mind. It was not normal for a
spiritual one. The carnal attitude deals with things on one level only--
this world's. It "sees no further than natural things" (Rom 8:5 JBP).

Is there a telescope that will bring into focus things I would not see
with merely "natural" vision? There is.

"The spiritual attitude reaches out after the things of the spirit." It
is a different means of perceiving. It will enable me to see what I
could not have seen with the naked--that is, the carnal--eye.

It works. When I looked at that person who had offended me through the
"spiritual eye," I saw in him one of God's instruments to teach me,
instead of one of the devil's to torment me. I saw something more. I saw
a person God loves, and whom He wants to love through me.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/elisabeth-elliot/no-further-than-natural-things/
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