You may say that I’m a dreamer…

Is it really so bad to be an idealist?  I mean as a Christian, is it bad to strive for ideals?  I find that a lot of times when I describe my dreams to people, or people share their visions for ministry with me, there is this tendency to qualify things, with a phrase such as “I know that may sound idealistic, but you get the picture,” as if dreaming toward godly ideals is something we shouldn’t do, or people won’t understand.

I have a dream that I would live out a godly life as close to perfect as possible, through the power of the Spirit within me.  I have a dream that God can use His church to transform the city of Ambridge into a community of Christians.  I fully understand that God is sovereign, and His plan always wins in the end, but I also understand the power He has, and visions He gives.  I have read stories of miraculous conversions, awakenings, and city-wide transformations all throughout history.  I have experienced first hand the love and power of our great God.  Who am I to say that a great, humanly impossible dream is too impossible for our God?  When we start to view ministry goals as too idealistic, we start to settle for things that are less than godly, and show where our faith really lies.

This is not to say that we never set attainable goals and take small steps, and it is certainly not to say we will not fail.  Sometimes God does things all at once in miraculous ways, sometimes He does them over time through faithful obedience.  Sometimes he chooses to do tings in ways other than what we can imagine.  But the point I am trying to make is this: When you dream according to the will of God, dream big.  Dream big and pursue God to accomplish it.  Yes, set smaller goals within the dream, and yes, pursue wisdom and the help of others, and most certainly understand that we may fail at times… but remember, if you are truly a follower of Christ, THE SPIRIT OF GOD LIVES WITHIN YOU!

Jesus commanded, “Be perfect, as you Father in heaven is perfect.”  He did not say, “I know it seems idealistic, but try hard to be perfect.  It’s okay if you fail, just keep trying your best.”  He set the goal as high as possible.  He knew we would fail, even with the Spirit counseling us we fail, but the “idealistic” goal stands the same.

Pursue perfection, in action, in word, in thought, in life, and in your God-honoring dreams.