One of the favorite “sharing” moments comes from the archives of Pastor, Brother, Friend James Spruill. One year when he and Mary were here sharing the Word and encouraging the body here at Bridgeway, he included this wisdom: One of the things we have to remember is that the windshield is much larger than the rear-view mirror; reminding us that our eyes must be focused on the present and where we are going, and not so much on where we have been.
Now, that is what I wrote down that night in my journal. He is much more eloquent in his words for sure ~ but I hope I convey the point somewhat accurately here. You see, people tend to focus on what’s wrong with the world instead of what’s right. Soon, this attitude and perspective begins to overtake every element of life: relationships, work, community, and church. I am not implying that we shouldn’t be about improvement and seeking what is best for the glory of God ~ I am just saying we can’t let bitterness in, in any shape or form. There is much that is right with the world even if we don’t recognize or acknowledge it. God is still God. He is still in control. His plan is still being worked out. He still uses men, women, and yes, children, to accomplish His purpose. Beyond that, people are receiving His salvation and they are being sanctified out of His great love and grace.
Isn’t that something in the world that’s right?
Isn’t that something that we would consider, great?
I hope so! I really hope that with all the cynicism and doubt out there, with some acting like precision surgeons picking out every little thing, each little flaw ~ that we do come back to encouragement that we have received in Jesus Christ. Consider this word from the Apostle Paul: “Now, the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, Who is Spirit” (2 Cor.3, vv.17-18).
Decide to be encouraged today. Chose to be better and not bitter (a big difference in that one little vowel). Selecting to be better is possible and God can and will do it. Let me leave you with a Scripture…“Now, to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or can imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen!” (Ephesians 3, vv.20-21).
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