Day Seven. Principle: Vision
Scripture:
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! Revelation 3:15
Thoughts:
There's something in all of us that yearns to live life above the plains, at another level. Jesus touched on this in John 10:10 when He said, "I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."
God also intends an abundant life for the church -- to rise above lifelessness and listlessness, above the constraints of conformity and compromise, routine and mediocrity; to rediscover desire.
We've been dreaming together about God's future for Village. If we are without a vision, we are without a future. Scripture is filled with visionaries who caught a glimpse of a future. What did they see? What must we see?
- See life for what it is. If we are to be a church that imagines, that envisions a radical future, we too must discern our times, understand our culture, and recognize the mess we are in.
- See God for who He is. No matter how great the mess, nothing overwhelms God. God hears our pleas and understands our hearts. His grace, mercy, and faithfulness can more than heal us. Jesus proclaimed that the church would be his ongoing presence in this broken world. As we look to the future, we ask, "God, what would You have us do now?"
- See His calling for what it is. If you are a Christ follower, you have been summoned to respond to God's forgiveness and then to uniquely use your gifts to impact this world for Jesus.
- See cost for what it is. Visions don't merely happen. They require risk, faith, and commitment. The Bible's visionaries were willing to forego their own status, comfort, and personal egos to serve God. Are we?
Reflection:
Village's vision will call for our time and will demand the resources God has given us to manage. Am I willing to sign on?
Prayer:
Lord, please give me eyes to see life for what it is and to see You for who You are. Show me Your calling, and give me the strength to remain committed to it despite the cost.
