His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence . . . .  2 Peter 1:3–4 (ESV)

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!  2 Peter 1:3 (The Message)

Salvation in Christ is easy for us.  Christ has done it all.  Growing to be like Him is not easy.  It takes our effort.    Anonymous

Vision of living in the Kingdom

Few of us have been exposed to this full vision of following Jesus.  It is very difficult to lead and be in the spotlight and stay in this vision of living “in Christ.”  I am sorry, that is negative but it is true.  Those who follow Jesus in the Kingdom, with their ALL, often are quiet and humble and avoid the microphone.  I am not saying that all who speak to groups or lead are not following, just that those roles seem to carry a set of traps and toxins that are difficult to escape.  Those who are called to that leadership need God’s grace and power, and need the sometimes hidden gifts and prayers of those not preaching from the mountains of this world.   It is not an easy walk.

If a vision of living in Christ and following Him is necessary for our spiritual (trans)formation, then exactly how will that develop?  I have some ideas, although I know that some of you have some ideas I have missed, and I invite you to share them with us.

Study.  First, there is no substitute for reading or listening to God’s Word.  I suggest reading through a gospel and paying special attention to how Jesus did life.  How did Jesus order his day?  With whom did he hang?  Are they celebrities and up-and-comers?  When attacked, how did his handle it?  When pressed by the challenges of the multitudes, what did he do?  What were his attitudes?  What emotions did he express?  Try to notice things like when he crossed over to the other side of the lake (Gentile country) and engaged people who were considered the contraband of the rest of Israel.  What can I learn from his mission and how would my life look if I was willing and able to live like Him?  This takes time and effort.  There is no substitute.  Sorry to be so blunt, but if we say we want to follow Jesus and do not take in his Word, we really do not want to follow.  Own it and change it.

Revelation. God reveals Himself a variety of ways, the first and primary is through His Word, but also by revealing His nature through others — followers and otherwise: teachers, books, images, dreams, memories that come into focus with new meaning, song, worship, and creation — nature.  Remember where we started nine days ago with “the unforced rhythms of grace.” Matt. 11:29  God desires to reveal Himself to us and will use a variety of communication if we are awake.  This is a process of forming a vision of life in the Kingdom, and one revelation, one scripture, or one word that breaks into our day is just that.  One. There will be many.

The deep cry within.  The vision arises from a deep longing, perhaps a spiritual memory of God’s delight and personal attention when we were made.

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb.  I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Psalm 139:13–15 (The Message)

There is a forgotten way that results in a desire and a hope to be fully me and fully God’s.  That is the Vision.  We were made in the image of God to govern the zoological creation as God rules over all things.  This rule is one as God Himself would rule or care.  For us to be “in Christ” — the Vision — is to be transformed into those who act in love as God does.  That should keep us praying and waiting for a while.   Listen to your innermost desire for more.  The seed is within you; let it grow.  Give it water and nourishment with His Word, time alone, and a little faith.

Enjoy your time with the Creator, the Savior, and the One who empowers.