S66P8 – The Christ-like mind: living in the promise now
Rom. 13:12-14
The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy. But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires.
A very popular motivational tool in our current culture is the vision board. That is a place where one places pictures, words and other items which tell the story of where one wants to go. The purpose of the vision board is to take one’s vision of the future, perhaps a five-year plan, and make a physical representation of it that can be seen and touched today. It serves as a constant reminder of what can be possible if the creator of the board concentrates on taking steps to make that vision a reality. Although that desired result has not yet manifest, one is to live as if it has. Instead of thinking “I will be an artist”, the thought should be “I am an artist.” That is the same way our Father wants us to live in this dark world.
When Jesus Christ returns life will change for everyone. For the faithful follower, we will see the promise of a return to peace and perfection. When Jesus is among us there will be no more fear, worry, pain or anxiety. The great and terrible day of the Lord indeed will be great for those who know him. Today, however, the evil age persists. Yet, we are commanded to live as if we are in the day of his return. This means that we are asked to take our vision of what life will be in the presence of Jesus Christ then and live that way now. We are to live today without fear, worry, pain or anxiety. We are to exhibit in this evil age what it is to live in that day even though it has not yet arrived. God’s biblical future promises are our vision board, and we are to live as if the vision already has come to pass.
I am the first to say that I am guilty of proclaiming how much I cannot wait for Jesus Christ to return and give me perfect peace. My problems, struggles and frustrations will be gone on that day. In saying that, I fail to realize that I can have that kind of peace now. The same goes for every negative emotion or circumstance which tries to distract us from God’s light. We do not have to live with them. The world may not be perfect today, but we already have received everything we need to reside in the presence of the Lord right now and reap every benefit that comes from being in that place. Father, give us the foresight and the wisdom to live through this present evil age as if we are living in the complete fulfillment of the day of the Lord.