Radical Vision

"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6 : 1

A new year and a new semester always make you think about what you want to change; what you want to do better. There's a reason gym memberships jump up in January.  People want to live better. InterVarsity has a vision to see change as well.  We desire to see God transform the lives of people in ways they didn't imagine.  And then those individuals can renew the campus, and later change the world. This begins with a choice.

You need to decide to give your life to Jesus.  I'm sure most of you would say that you did this when you were younger, but did you do it yesterday? Today?  Will you do it tomorrow?  Devoting your life to Jesus is not just a one time thing.  It's a decision you need to make constantly.  And you need to make it for the right reason.

This verse touches on your motivation.  Jesus would not have said this if He wanted you to do the right thing blindly.  Obviously your intentions are important to Him.  It's easy to give money to charity or help a friend in need when you are trying to get attention or impress someone.  But Jesus doesn't care who you impress.  He cares that you are changing because you love Him and love others.

We are a broken people.  We have hidden intentions behind good we do. And choosing into Jesus for the right reasons isn't easy.  In fact, it costs everything.  But isn't it worth it?  Jesus knows what is best for us and He desires that we find the true joy that is waiting for us when we give Him everything.  Let me be the first to tell you that pain and suffering will be involved, but there is joy, unending joy.

So this semester, let's be different.  Let's be joyful people despite the pain in our lives.

And let's be radical.  Ryan will be talking about practical ways for us to apply what we read in the Bible each week.  Would you consider taking the step this semester, even if just for a month or a week or even a day, to apply these practical teachings?  How can we be transformed when we try to fit Jesus into a box that is more accepted?  I dare you to find life through the crazy wild ride we have the potential to take this semester.

I'm ready, I'm excited, and I'm scared.  What about you?