Have you been to the optometrist lately? You know that vision test they do… “How is this? Better or worse? Fuzzy or clear?”
Do you have a clear vision or life target? This isn’t just a question for college students, this is a question for everyone. What is your vision? Or, taking a cue from the questioner in a job interview, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
For some this is an easy question to answer. For others it might be a real challenge. I’d like to think I’m a man of vision, but I must share with you that, today, I am no where where I thought I’d be five years ago. God allowed circumstances in my life to reshape my vision to be more what He wanted for me. And that’s a very good thing.
We’ve been saying that we want to “be more like Jesus.” That’s also a very good thing. But what does that mean? How do you plan to get from where you are today to that state of being more like Jesus tomorrow? Does it mean paying closer attention to various spiritual disciplines like prayer? Does it mean a major life change or a career altering decision? Does it mean simply extending a loving, grace-filled hand to someone who needs it?
I believe, at its core, “being more like Jesus” comes down to loving your neighbor.
From Matthew 25 (The Message):
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’
“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Having a vision to clearly see the “least of these” … it’s a great place to start if you want to be more like Jesus.
May God give you a clearer vision today of what He wants for you. And if you’re not sure of what His vision looks like, ask Him.
RichRonald.com 
It’s easy to become short-sighted, seeing mostly folks that are our inner circle. For Christians, that can mean seeing only other Christians. While every Christian needs the support of another Christian, people without Jesus in their lives may be even more in need of encouragement.
Scripture gives much instruction in how to help others. But, to be honest, I must be watchful and willing to act. If I’m not both–watchful and willing–then God’s effort to move me into action goes unanswered.
I’m grateful that He has built in me a bit of ability to tune into people. Once I choose to be obedient to His direction, He provides the cues I need to meet His goal.
The person I speak with may reject or abuse my friendship or help, but that’s OK. My part was to be watchful, willing and obedient to God’s prompting.
Thanks, Rich, for the opportunity to re-examine the topic!