Know Who You Are and Where You’re Going

Wednesday Night Norma and I visited the Henderson Boulevard church here in Tampa. .  I like the fellowship at Henderson and they were having a special series with Paul Sheehan.  The singing was spirited. The fellowship was warm.  And the worship was God centered.  None of this was unexpected.  Nor was the unique style with which Paul presents the Gospel.  I liked his lesson.  A lot. And want to share some of my thoughts from it. 

Paul based the study on Colossians chapter three.  He suggested it was God’s “How To” treatise on living a faithful Christian life.  The entire lesson was predicted on two fundamental principles. (1) Know who you are.  (2) Know where you want to go.

Who are we? Paul says, the apostle, that is, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”  (v.3) 

Who am I?  A person who died with Christ.  A man who was dead in sin. I’ve been crucified with Christ. Buried with Christ in baptism. I am Christian.  That means I belong to Him.  I am His.  I wear his name.  Abide by His teaching.  Follow His example.  

Where do you want to go?  The apostle also says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”  

Where am I going? My mind, my affection, my focus is heavenly.  Not earthly.  If that’s so, my spiritual GPS is set for heaven.  That’s where I’m headed. 

So, I’m not really defined by height, race or name.  I’m called Ken.  But I’m Christian.  That’s really who I am.  This week I will go to Ohio to preach in a meeting.  Next week, Lord willing, I will go to Kansas City.  But really these are just stops on the way to my destination–Heaven. 

These two principles, as Paul preached through Colossians three, really define everything else about the Christian life.  They answer our questions.  Address our concerns.  Account for our behavior.  Acknowledge our needs. 

How do we muster the will to behave ourselves in a world gone mad with lust and licence?  Well, when you really know who you are, and know where you’re going, you’ve got the incentive.  The internal regulator that knows when to say “no” and when to say “yes.”  And knows why! 

How can we get along with brethren who sometimes try our patience?  When we know who we are and where we’re going, we want to clothe ourselves with compassion.  And be kind. Humble. And gentle.  We suffer long with the foibles of others. We forgive.  And above all we love. 

How can we improve our worship?  Make it more spiritual?  More personal?  Deeper?  And, dare I say, stimulating?  Again, by remembering who we are and where we’re going.  That will make the singing rousing.  The prayers fervent. The communion reflective.  The giving greater.  And the preaching practical. Relevant. And impassioned. 

How do we strengthen and improve our family lives?  As Paul, the Canadian preacher, would say, “You know, don’t you?!”  That’s right!  By knowing who you are and where you want to go! Husbands will love their wives as Christ loved the church.  Wives will love and respect their husbands.  Parents will provide godly nurture.  And children will obey and honor. Mutual submission will abound. 

When we know who we are and know where we’re going, our reward is undeniable. Our faith unwavering.  Our Hope unfaltering.    And our love unfailing.  

Thanks Paul for a fantastic lesson. And fodder for this post!  But most of all for some wonderful food for thought. And for a focused purpose to help me be faithful.  

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman