The Way The World Isn't

I read a quote the other day that was to be an encouragement to entrepreneurs: Don't see the world as it is, but as it isn't.

Without vision and without a mental picture of how things could be, nothing would ever change.

There would be no creativity, no art, no science, no experimentation. We would be exactly the same as we were yesterday.

Where's the excitement in that?

For we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is in God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12

The spirit of the world says live for yourself. The spirit of God says live for the Lord.

The spirit of the world says do what makes you feel good. The spirit of God says do what pleases Him.

The spirit of the world says do whatever you have to do to reach the top. The spirit of God says to prefer others over yourself.

So if we decide to see the world as it could be, what would we see?

What would happen if we sent someone an encouraging card full of Scripture instead of patting them on the shoulder and hoping for the best?

What would happen if we stood up to the bullies of the world who put other people down to make themselves feel better?

What would happen if we used our time, money and talents exclusively to glorify God and His kingdom?

These are things created by the spirit of God, not of the world. Many of the people around us are so focused on themselves that they're not open to change or improvement. They're managing to get along just fine this way - why look at what's not happening in the world around them.

The power through God that Christians have to change the world is staggering - but we have to use it. We have to pray, take the steps necessary to enact the change and then step out of the way so God have full control - and then full glory.

Picture the way the world isn't and that will show you exactly where you're needed. We are each part of the body of Christ, each with our own gifts and strengths. God is working in our lives to make us the perfect tool for Him in the situations that arise in our daily lives.

So when you look at the world, do you see what is or are you looking for the way the world isn't?

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