WCTLC

Without A Vision We Don’t
Have Much Of A Future

We doubt that we are the only ones who have asked the question, how are all the wrongs, diseases, calamities, wars, and abuse going to be solved through the power of Jesus that has been healing our lives? Beyond the obvious geographic barriers the more complex issues regarding time, resources and commitment come to mind. But we’ve been spending a lot of time asking God about this and, as usual, perhaps we’ve been looking for something too grandiose. We’ve noticed that, for the most part, God chooses the simple. Based on this premise, we would like to start by directing our thoughts toward the basic human need.

You Are Important

Have you ever felt, deep down inside, that God has a very special purpose for your life, or have you ever felt that somehow you aren’t truly reaching your full potential? Do you have a vision of who God has created you to be and you can’t let go of the dream? Do you find yourself hanging onto that dream even though you see many personal faults and weaknesses? Does that dream persist even though you can’t think of one reason why God would want to or be able to use you? You are not alone.

You Don’t Have To Be Famous

One of the things God has placed in most of our hearts is a desire to be part of something that really makes a difference. We often feel we need to be successful or popular to be able to make a difference. But, as we observe those who are famous, successful, or rich we have seen that this isn’t the answer to all the world’s problems. It doesn’t even heal the cry coming out of the hearts of those who are famous, successful, or rich. There are a lot of famous, successful, wealthy, educated people and yet our world continues to suffer from poverty, calamity, disease, war, and injustice. If that isn’t the answer, what is the answer? For those of us who have this concern for the condition of our world, here is some insight into how Jesus dealt with this type of situation with His disciples.

These Guys Are Ego Maniacs

Mark 10:35-41 (NIV) Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at My right or left is not for Me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.

Great Goals With A Bad Plan

Here are some guys who had a vision and passion for being and doing something great. After serious consideration, they came up with a way to reach that goal. All they were going to have to do was get Jesus to cooperate with their plan; sound familiar? Yes, we have all had a special plan we have wanted God to put His stamp of approval on; but, there was a major flaw that none of us even considered.

You would think that Jesus would have jumped all over James and John. They were demonstrating that they weren’t humble men motivated by a love for people. They also were showing that their main concern wasn’t for helping the needy people around them. All they seemed to care about was their own popularity and positions. The ten other disciples would have been more than happy to have jumped all over them. How dare these two try to get the positions they all wanted and were afraid to ask for. But, as usual, Jesus didn’t react like we would expect Him to.