Our Global Village

When I first learned to drive, my dad gave me some great advice, “Never lose sight of the bigger picture.”  He trained me to constantly monitor what was happening on my left and right, in my rear-view mirror, and as far down the road as I could see. 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that Dad's words apply not just to driving a car, but to other areas of life as well.  In fact, I hear his words replayed in my mind almost every time I make a decision.

The Lord Jesus had similar advice when he spoke to his disciples about their role in the world. “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35) (See also Matthew 9:37)

In other words, one of the first priorities and disciplines for every follower of Christ is to cultivate a global perspective.

When I use to jog through our community, sometimes I would catch myself looking down at the street in front of me.  I kept reminding myself to raise my eyes and take in my surroundings.  It's a far more inspiring view. Life is too short to spend it gazing at the pavement.  Many believers, to their own loss, don’t take the time to appreciate the grand sweep of God’s redemptive plan in the Scriptures, and how God has uniquely prepared them to participate.  

When we lift our eyes, Jesus points out, our hearts will be touched by the vastness of the harvest field, the scarcity of workers and the spiritual readiness of many to embrace the good news.