When people have a vision for something, they are willing to make a sacrifice. As young people in the world today, where should our vision be fixed? This was one of the main themes during a youth weekend in Oklahoma, USA.
It was a beautiful, warm summer weekend when a group of 50 young people from across
North America arrived at Sky Ranch, Oklahoma. Many had traveled long distances in order to
experience this special weekend together. Along with a full day of activities including paintball,
laser tag, and horseback riding, there was a time of fellowship with an important message for
young people.
Jesus had a vision: His goal was to overcome all the sin that dwelled in human nature and open a way for all mankind to become free from the power of sin.
In Hebrews 12:3 it is written that we must consider Jesus. But why should we consider Him? By seeing how He lived on earth as a human being, and then becoming His disciples—following His example—we come to the specific purpose for which God has created each one of us according to His will. Jesus was young and had similar circumstances to ours, although in a very different environment. But He had a vision: His goal was to overcome all the sin that dwelled in human nature and open a way for all mankind to become free from the power of sin. Jesus had this vision before Him when He gave up His human desires and goals to do God’s will. Because He overcame sin instead of living according to it, He became a happy man (Hebrews 1:9).
To fulfill this vision, we must sacrifice our own desires that hinder us from becoming a disciple.
We heard that as young people, we are to receive that same vision for our own life; a vision that no circumstance can take away. To fulfill this vision, we must sacrifice our own desires that hinder us from becoming a disciple. This can include material goals but especially means fighting against sin. Those who gain this vision and make the sacrifice become the happiest
people on earth.
Grace, a 22-year-old participant from Urbana, Ohio, was thankful to receive this vision for her own life. “The weekend was such a special time for all of us. We came together in one mind and spirit, to build each other up and gain a vision. When God gives a person a calling, there is no greater joy than answering that call, and sacrificing everything that would prevent us from being faithful to it."
Why is this calling so great? By taking up a battle, as Jesus did, against anger, envy, bitterness, lusts, anxiety, and other works of the flesh, we gain peace and become truly happy. We can also be free from worrying about the cares of this life such as food and clothing (Matthew 6:25). God honors those who have the same mindset as Joshua “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), and He will meet all their needs.
By taking up a battle, as Jesus did, against anger, envy, bitterness, lusts, anxiety, and other works of the flesh, we gain peace and become truly happy.
Instead of a short-term earthly vision for material things, it’s possible to have the same vision that Jesus had, a vision that will bring freedom from all sin, with the result being an eternal life filled with happiness! That is God’s specific purpose for each person. That is why it is important to consider—and then follow—Jesus above everything else!