Can We All be “VIPs”?

            The world differentiates between people and I’m sure we all know the abbreviation “VIP” it stands for Very Important Person. “VIPs” are afforded special privileges. They move to the head of the line, sit in reserved seating, and travel in the most influential circles. Status, money, possessions, fame, or athletic ability are the usual qualifiers which elevate us into “VIP” recognition, but can’t we all be “VIPs”?

            We do not need to climb the social ladder to accomplish this jump in status. We need to recognize who we are in Christ. We should redefine what we idolize as Very Important People and refocus our energies toward becoming all that we can be as the “Children of God”. We are already “VIPs”. To extend our understanding and influence, we will be exploring scripture and specifically examining Vision, Interpretation, and Purpose.

            As Christians we are called to be people of Vision, Interpretation, and Purpose. We are “VIPs”. Scripture tells us that the people of God perish because of a lack of knowledge. The word knowledge can also be translated: understand, or insight. All three of these terms, at least, to my mind create images of Vision – The ability to see and correctly distinguish what is going on around us.

Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (KJV)

            If we do not acknowledge God in our daily lives, He will leave us to our own devices and that is never a good thing. We develop our understanding by studying the revelation God has already made available to us through His word. He offers us a relationship with Him and outlines all the benefits available. He promises to pour out His Spirit upon us as we submit to Him.

Joel 2:27-29 “And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” (KJV)

            The availability of the Holy Spirit active and inspirational in our lives leads us to the correct Interpretation of scripture. We are not addressing the translation – King James, New American Standard, New International, Revised Standard, New Living Translation – each represents and is the word of God. As we devote ourselves to God and study His word, the overarching message of scripture is made clear. The eyes of our understanding are opened and are able to interpret and apply God’s word in every situation.

1 Corinthians 8:2-3 “Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.” (NLT)

2 Peter 1:19-21 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (KJV)

            So, what is the message of scripture? Can we become “VIPs”? We are already “VIPs” – We are people of VISION, INTERPRETATION, and PURPOSE.  According to the standards of this world we may not be recognized as “very important people” but according to God’s standard we have the message of hope, the word of truth, and the promise of eternal life. The message of scripture is clear.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (KJV)

            That single TRUTH drives our Purpose. We are here to share the love and mercy of God. Vision shows us the desired result. Interpretation provides light along the way through the darkness, and Purpose motivates us to finish the task. We are all “VIPs” – People of VISION, INTERPRETATION, and PURPOSE.

1 Chronicles 16:8-9 “Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.” (NASB)

            Allow the vision to inspire you. Open your heart to Holy Spirit led interpretation of scripture. Devote yourself to the single purpose of making Christ known throughout the world. Develop and implement and plan, but above all proceed.

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (KJV)