8.23.10 "Living a Life of Vision"

"Living a Life of Vision"

Job 8:1 - 11:20
I Corinthians 15:1-28
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 21:28-29

Psalm 38:17 "How constantly I find myself upon the verge of sin; this source of sorrow always stares me in the face."

Job 10:1 "I am weary of living. Let me complain freely. I will speak in my sorrow and bitterness."

Psalm 38:5-6 "My wounds are festering and full of pus. Because of my sins I am bent and racked with pain. My days are filled with anguish."

I Corinthians 15:19 "And if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures."

Each of these scriptures were taken from today's reading. Taken at face value, it doesn't leave an encouraging taste in your mouth does it?

What is it that keeps us going? What is it that keeps us from stepping into the sin that stares us in the face? "if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures."

What Paul is saying is that we must see the big picture! Never lose sight of what this is all about!

I Corinthians 15:1 says, "Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed...."

15:3 "...Christ died for our sins just as the Scriptures said he would, and that he was buried, and that three days afterwards he arose from the grave just as the prophets foretold."

15:20 "... the fact is that Christ did actually rise from the dead, and has become the first of millions who will come back to life again some day."

15:23-24 "... then when Christ comes back, all his people will become alive again. After that the end will come when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having put down all enemies of every kind."

We need to be aware that THIS is REALITY!

As frail human creatures, we get so caught up in the "moment", we easily lose sight what is really true. We live our lives as if what the world teaches is true. We think that what's really important is financial gain. We think that if we are "happy" then all is well. The truth is: NONE of that is reality! The reality is that we are not of this world. This is all an "illusion" in comparison to what is really important. Christ is coming back... SOON!

You will probably exchange glances with someone today that you will never see again. They may or may not understand what the "true reality" is. You do. It may be that this "chance" meeting has been set up by God for you to play a part in their discovery of the gospel.

What does that mean to you as a Christian?

If we are living a life merely concerned about ourselves and our comfort, it's not really a big deal. We can live as "each one does what is right in his own mind" like the Israelites did when there was no king. It's every man for himself. "Yes, I'm thankful that I know the truth, but hey, they're sinners... that's their problem."

But if we are living a life of vision, aware of what reality truly is, we see every situation through "God Goggles". We don't miss the opportunity. We see that comfort is only temporary and not reality. We bear the burden to connect individuals to God at every opportunity.

Does this mean we stand on a street corner with a wearing a sandwich board reading "The End is NEAR!" ? No. That's probably out of balance. But keeping the vision of what reality is will constrain us to live a life of purpose.

Look at what David's saying in Psalm 38:17: "How constantly I find myself upon the verge of sin; this source of sorrow always stares me in the face."

What keeps you from sinning when it stares you in the face? If you are living a life without a concept of the true reality, it's probable that there isn't a good reason not to sin. Why not do it?

If you are living a life knowing what's at stake, constantly aware of what the Gospel really is, and that Christ is coming back soon, and it's REAL, sin just isn't worth it.

It takes discipline to keep the vision in front of you. We must remind ourselves of this constantly. When driving, when dealing with our neighbors, when joking at work, when dealing with family members.

We are not of this world (John 17:16). We need to remember this. It's one of those "zoom out" things. Don't get so caught up in the struggles, challenges, stresses, and joys of the moment that we forget what is really important.

You are a key player in God's plan! Keep that in focus! Live a life of vision!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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