SO YOU'RE CALLED A CHRISTIAN

Does life appear to be a roller-coaster? One moment you are up, the next down. Do you suddenly get joy moments and then feel life is meaningless. Are you unenthusiastic about life’s daily routines?
If you answered, “yes” to any or all of the above questions, you are not alone. The unfortunate reality is that most people find the least joy in what they do the most. A lack of zest ensues around work places, schools, homes and various other occupations.
It would be unfortunate to spend five days a week at the office, or in a class, and yet be so disgruntled. It is with this assertion that I wish to share some principles behind living a fulfilled life that rejoices even amidst trials.
Others define the term “alive” as the ability to breathe, or to inhale and excel air. I say, to be alive is to live a vision-driven life. The bibles says, “where there is no vision, the people perish...” (Proverbs 29:18) I cannot overemphasize the importance of possessing a God- given vision to propel your life. My prayer is that you read on, discover ways you can realize vision and bring your vision to life.
Vision could be described as the ability to have foresight, a mental picture or vivid dream of something in your future. It is through this ability that God reveals a unique assignment, or purpose, for each one of us. In pursuing it, we find pleasure, satisfaction and a fulfillment in life.
You might ask, “How do I discover my God- given vision?”

The A,B,C’s

Within God’s word lies your vision.

a) consult your manufacturer. When you buy a camcorder or some electronic device, you are expected to check the maker’s guide or manual. The manual illustrates the purpose of an appliance. It describes everything it potentially can do. Once faced with a malfunction, the manual has information that links you to the manufacturer for technical
assistance. God’s word links you to your “manufacturer,” and the source of your vision.
In discovering your purpose there is no short cut. You must first consult your creator. Read the manual, (The Bible) and discover your utmost potential. Within God’s word lies your vision.
Lord, show me what I am capable of achieving for your glory. Help me plan my path as you direct my steps. Give me a glimpse of what you have in store for me.
I have so many aspirations and I am gifted in more than one field. How do I discern my God-given vision?

Within your selfless passions lies your vision.

(b) Assess your childhood and current interests. God will not give you a vision contrary to what you would enjoy doing. Revisit those little, selfless actions that brought you great joy- perhaps the time you aided a helpless stranger, or the time you stood up for a righteous cause. Within your selfless passions, lies your vision.
Within your potential lies your vision.

(c) Know your potential. The fact that you can stand up before a horde of people and speak boldly and confidently may be a hint of your purpose and vision. Maybe you are particularly skilled in a certain subject or talent. Be cautious of what your potential is. It is unlikely God has not already gifted you with the ability to carry out His calling. Within your potential, lies your vision.
Are you frustrated to see street kids seeking alms? How about when people waste their lives with drugs and alcohol? What about the standard of education within your community?
Within your positive frustrations lies your vision.

d) Discover what nudges your heart to make a change. God will place within you a hunger to make a difference in a current status quo. Within your positive frustrations lies your vision.
Having discussed how to discover what your vision is, this article would be incomplete without considering ways to cause your mental picture to come alive.
Just like discovering your vision, constant communication with the Vision Giver plays a key factor in realizing it. Seek God’s face constantly coz only He can give you the strength to make it through.
Educate yourself- read widely and know all you can about your vision field. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to achieve something you have little or no knowledge about.
Commit yourself to your God-given vision. As the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day.” It is more than likely your vision will take time before it’s completed. With earnest commitment comes discipline.
Discipline yourself to keep away from anything that will hinder progress in achieving your vision.
Keep your passion alive. You can do this by revisiting your purpose. In other words, remember the purpose of the unique assignment God has given you. Passion is stirred when your priority lies in what your vision can do for others and not necessarily what you can get out of it.
Keep company with vision- driven people. “Birds of the same feature flock together. Bad company corrupts good morals.” Watch your crowd. Not everyone will be pleased with your purpose- driven life. Hang around people that bring out the best in you. They will propel you and act as a catalyst towards achieving your vision.
Set goals and plan your moves. God will direct your paths, but you have to take the steps. Make goals and set time frames that will monitor your progress. Example:
“I will read such and such books (making a specific list) on this subject by such and such a time, I will save so much every month towards this goal.” Be clear and specific, giving detail to goals that will help you achieve your vision.
Write your vision down. This is, in fact, the first step to making your dream a reality. What you saw only in your mind is now on paper. Congratulations! You acted in faith and are that much closer to achieving your God- given vision.
Have faith and know that He who started a good work in you will see it through (Phil. 1:6).
Make your life meaningful. Discover who you are wired to be. Know your vision and live a life of purpose. Be fulfilled in the occupation you have, knowing it is simply preparing you for your destiny. Be who you can be today, and become who you can become tomorrow.
That is why I am called a Christian.

Peter Chipepo