When I look at public debates, arguments really, that strike to the core of our values and priorities, I find that the fight is really about vision. What kind of community to we want to live in? What is the role of government for that community? How is the community going to hold members of the family accountable for our shared values and priorities?
In the society in which you and I live it is problematic to know if we understand our community’s vision. It is almost too easy to define communities as the groups of people who share our values and priorities but what about the physical spaces where we live? You and I may not share many of the corporate values of the companies we work for but we are a part of that community. You and I do not agree with the consensus experience of those around us at work, yet this is another small village that we belong to as part of in a larger community. In these situations and more, our vision is potential different that the community around us.
Yet the story doesn’t end there. We individually carry a vision of what might be, even if we do not realize it. The vision is full of our values and priorities with the addition of our hope and dreams. We hope for what is yet to be. I personally find, even with the person who does not believe in God, that our vision includes the hope of compassion, mercy, and acceptance. These are things that my God is, inside, out, yesterday, today, and always.
One man a long time ago warned those around them trying to catch their visions. “A person you don't recognize has taken his stand in your midst. He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I'm not even worthy to hold his coat for him.” (John 1.26, 27)
The person of yesterday is the Spirit of God here today. Be on lookout; God has found you. Have you found God?
