Clarity of Vision: A 2020 Perspective

Happy Day to all,
   Here it is the end of 2019 and beginning 2020. This coming year we should focus on a clearer vision of the Kingdom of God. To enjoy God's Kingdom we should look back into what our original purpose is for being created and living here on this planet. In Genesis 1:26, we are told to be fruitful, multiply and populate the earth. Scripture also tells us that we are created in His image which is our character, values, morals, and ethics. When Adam was created, he was given the task of caretaker of the earth. It is from this charge that we should emulate our lives. How do we accomplish this in the time we currently live.

20/20 Vision
This coming year marks the end of the decade. 2020 should be a year of clarity as to how we can be in the world but not of the world. Granted, there are things we need for basic survival that are made by man but there are also things we can do without.  So how can we finish this decade and fully immerse the world into God's Kingdom?

Heart of Worship
The very first thing is returning to the heart of what worship truly is. Worship is about God and what He has done in our lives. Mainstream churches give announcements then a 1/2 hour of music with tithing somewhere in the mix then a 20-25 minute message, a closing song and done. Mixed in the music there might even be a prayer.
One issue I have with certain churches is the songs that are chosen do not always have the correct elements of worship and praise unless they are contemporary versions of hymns or faithfully written songs that contain (not just elude to) elements of Scripture. Without the recognition of God's Word, where is the music worship. Worship and praise is more than music. It is the reading of the Word from both Old and New Testaments. Worship is reading, praying, or singing a Psalm. Worship is prayer, both individual and corporate.    
We cannot be in the heart of worship without the truth of Scripture. Our attention needs to focus on God, understanding His Word and the impact on our lives. Yes, some of the music that is produced by Contemporary Christian Artists is pretty good and tells a story. If you go to a church and the praise and worship team does not (at least) change singers every couple of weeks, then it is a performance and if the heart is not there, it is just noise. 

Campus or Building of Worship
Why are some Christian gathering places called campuses? When I hear campus I think of school not a place of worship. In a church campus there are so many classrooms, meeting centers, child care facilities in a place of worship that the actual Sanctuary almost plays second fiddle to the rest of the structure. So many walls makes a person closed in and feel that they can only talk to the Christians that they know from the gathering and the class that they are told they need to be in. Yes it is great to have a group to belong to, I fully agree, but some "campuses" I have been to do not allow for work outside the confines of the grounds.
The gathering of Christians is also not to be just Sundays and Wednesdays. Christians should gather together wherever and whenever they can. And it doesn't always have to be with the same group. Yes having an accountability group is great and advisable but it doesn't mean that these are the only ones to associate with.   

Remove Thyself From Distractions
The Adversary, Satan, Devil, Lucifer, or whatever name given loves to get Christians away from God focus. In this day and age there are so many avenues for distractions that there is little time for anything else, even family.
Part of the solution involves removing ourselves from the dangers of overloaded digital technology. There are so many digital distractions out there from television, radio,cell phones, streaming services, social media, games, and many other temptations that family time is spent literally texting instead of talking. Put the phone away during meals, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and others can wait.

Get Back to Basics
Simply this, go outside and smell the roses. Take a walk and enjoy God's creation. If you see something that needs and can be fixed, take on that mission if you can. Talk to people do not stay silent. Actions do speak volumes so be kind to one another. Plant a garden, encourage playing outside (but not in the streets), have a picnic, better yet have a block or building party. We are relational people, let's be relational in everything we do.
Do not get stuck behind 4 walls. Worship God in the open sharing His work in your life with others. Remember, Jesus and the Apostles did not always speak the good news inside.

Brothers and Sisters, this coming year will end the second decade of the 21st century. Let's make it a good one by sharing and expanding the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Blessings,
Rob, Servant of God