How do we view the Church? How do we view Zion? How do we view God’s plan? These are questions that I think we should consider carefully. Why? Because the way we view something has a direct impact on the path we choose. Could this be why we seem to be struggling as a church? Proverbs 29:18 tells us that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” Perhaps, our problem is not with having NO vision, but having a WRONG vision.
I suggest to the reader that our problem is, not so much with our vision, but the problem is that we suffer from tunnel vision. Tunnel vision is defined as “the loss of peripheral vision with retention of central vision, resulting in a constricted circular tunnel-like field of vision.” What am I getting at? I contend that part of the reason the Church struggles is because our vision is just that; OUR vision. Isaiah 55:8-9 reads: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” One of the innumerable ways that the Lord is greater than we are is His ability to see the whole picture, without bias. His will is just, and His will is perfect.
This is not the case with us, however. We, too often, see things as we desire them to be. For example; many times in my youth, I was told that my generation will see Zion. How exciting! We have all probably had people tell us what a great work we will have in the last days. Fantastic! And, now our vision of God’s work encompasses the vision we have for ourselves. I always envisioned laboring in my strength until the beautiful city returns, with me escorting my loved ones through the gates, and into the arms of our loving Savior. But, the reality is, I am now on my sixty first year. I am burdened with Parkinson’s Disease, which makes it difficult for me to walk far, or even stand, at length. Even the typing of this article is a problematic task because of tremors in my hands and arms. This causes me to struggle with doubt and sadness. And yet, have any of the Lord’s promises to me become null and void? Not at all. My selfish vision has led me off the path. My own tunnel vision has led me to miss seeing the whole picture; one that I am not the center of. I might compare this tunnel vision to the way many study their scriptures. We tend to look for those verses that support our theory, rather than study them broadly, looking for the whole truth that is promised by Jesus.
The good news Is that this is not a terminal prognosis. By recognizing our human nature, and surrendering our will to His, the Lord is then able to right our vision, and return the joy we once knew. I personally cling to the words of Paul, in Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” My joy comes in the knowledge that I am privileged to serve the Lord in these last days, and that His perfect will should be accomplished in my life. As difficult as it may seem, the Lord is not bound by our expectations, only His will. I still can teach, preach, visit the homes of the saints, pray, etc. As we let go of the burden of pursuing our dreams, we become joint heirs in His. Only as we permit “thy will be done” in our lives will we be made ready for “Thy Kingdom come.”
No comments:
Post a Comment