Welcome to 2020 a year that heralds a new decade with promise and opportunities for Christ’s Church and for FBC Canton—Full Devotion. Because of the coming of the Christ child, we can celebrate the gifts of eternal hope, unconditional love, divine peace and the joy of new life. We can continue to await in anticipation of the future coming of Jesus to fulfill the reign of God.
Our Theme for this year will be “2020 Vision: Total Commitment.” When most people hear the term 20/20 Vision they tend to think of “Perfect Vision.” Allow me to burst your bubble because 20/20 vision does not mean having perfect vision. It simply defines whether your vision is as sharp as it should be in comparison to other normal people’s vision in the world. It means can I see from a distance of 20 feet what I am supposed to see and keep it in focus?
As fully devoted followers of Christ, I believe we should have a clear understanding of what God calls us to and expects of us in comparison to people of the world. He has given us His word as an instruction manual on how to live. The role of scripture is to clearly bring into focus what our responsibility is in the Kingdom of God. The apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi saying,
So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision - you'll see it yet!” Philippians 3:15 (The Message)
What is that Goal? Total Commitment to Christ. In the preceding verses of chapter 3 Paul clearly defines his thoughts, “ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11
Let me ask, “is that you, is that your desire?” Anything less than the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Paul indicates as garbage. Often I find myself living in the garbage of this world thinking I have found something of more important value. Perhaps you have found yourself there too? The things of this world cause us to lose our focus. Often we have something else in mind other than total commitment to Christ. Often we do not want to suffer at all for the cause of Christ.
We say that we are committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. How committed? Total commitment means that Jesus Christ is Lord in every area of our lives. He must be Lord on Saturday night as well as Sunday morning. He must be Lord of our bodies as well as our brains. He must be Lord of what we save as well as what we sacrifice. He must be Lord of our careers as well as our creed. Are we totally committed to Jesus Christ? Is He Lord of all?
As Paul recognizes that personal struggle he says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14. Let us press on together in total commitment as we embrace the year 2020. Let us pray that God will clear our vision so we can focus on Him as we worship, give, grow, serve and love together. Together let’s focus on Total Commitment in 2020.
Eye clearly on the prize!
