Every December, our elders choose a “theme” for the upcoming year. This past year our theme was “Seek Ye First.” For next year, they have chosen a common, but meaningful theme for the year – “Vision,” since it’s the year 2020. The phrase 20/20 vision refers to normal vision – what an average person can see on an eye chart when they are standing 20 feet away. What is your vision?
First, what do you see in yourself? Do you like what you see in the mirror? I don’t necessarily mean the outward you. I’m sure that most of us would like to lose a few pounds, cover some gray hairs, and shed a few wrinkles. But – what do you see in yourself? What kind of person do you think that you are? Are you helpful? Kind? Generous? Do you consider yourself to be a hard worker? Are you thoughtful? Friendly? Wise? Are you a Bible student? Are you a leader or a follower? Do you like the person that you are? No one can change you, but YOU! Do you like what you see?
What do others see when they look at you? Do they see a Christian? Do they see someone who “has their back?” Are you someone that they can always count on being there for them? Do others see you as someone who “talks the talk, but doesn’t walk the walk?” Are you considered shallow? Vain? Rude? Do you “fly off the handle” easily? Or would you be described as being Loyal? Honest? Are you a “team player?” When others look at you – do they see Christ living in you so much that it makes them want to have the peace that you have or do they see a worrier? Does your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven? (Matthew 5:16) Do you like what others see?
Most importantly, what does God see when He looks at you? We know that God does not look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. (I Samuel 16:7) Jesus accused the Pharisees of cleaning the outside of the cup and platter, but inside, they were full of robbery and wickedness. (Luke 11:39) While we may fool ourselves and others, we cannot hide from God. Adam and Eve tried to hide in the garden after they had sinned. Jonah tried to run away to the other side of the known world to avoid the task that God had asked of him, but “there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:13) Do you like what God sees? Does He?
Friends, if you don’t like what you see in you, what others see when they see you, or what God sees in you, make 2020 the year to get your vision checked. God Bless, Courtney
LOVE IT!!