Keeping in Step with the Spirit Part 3

I was impressed this week with the sinking of the cruise ship in Italy.  Since it didn’t actually “sink” below the surface its grotesque image has been filling the internet and news papers.  Ships are to display dignity but in a wounded pose, reclining on its side, this ship looks humbled.  The story was made even more intriguing as it was revealed the captain had abandon ship before all the passengers were safe.  He even disobeyed orders from a Coast Guard official and refused to return to his ship.  His concern for his personal safety was prioritized and he’s now being accused for the death of the passengers who perished in the accident.  The story would seem to imply the captain lost sight of his goal.   His responsibility was to care for the safety of his passengers at all cost.  Other things, like his personal safety, fear, darkness, and uncertainty blurred his vision. 

Last week we discussed vision as part of our series, Keeping in Step with the Spirit.  From our text in I Peter 4 we discovered our vision should be rooted in prayer, service, and in a reliance of the strength God provides. With these anchors in place, God can give us a clear vision and we can sustain that vision to the end.  Our personal ambitions, the vision we may have for our own lives, and the vision we may have for our church can be effective as we rely on these guidelines. 

We’re seeking to have a clear vision of what God has in store for us as a church.  We’re praying our own ambitions, our inpatients, and our concerns for other things won’t get in the way of what He has for us.  We have a heritage passed on to us by those who’ve served in the past.  The joy of serving Him is now ours.  We want His vision, “Lord, your will be done.”  Pastor Marv