Watermark Blogs

What’s the purpose of community?  What bulls-eye are we all shooting for?  The Proverb says, “Without vision the nation parishes.”  Do you and your group have a clear vision of what you’re aiming for?  It’s been my passion over the last couple of years to remind others of the target, aim, and bull’s-eye.  Paint it really big, so no one forgets and so everyone in the group aims at the same target.  Some will hit the bull’s-eye, some will land in the red or white ring others will miss the target completely, and yes some won’t even shoot.  In the dynamics of doing life with others, some are more excited about following Jesus trading in their old life for “life to the full” (John 10:10).  So, the target I’ve always painted is TRANSFORMATION (see Galatians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 12:2) into the image of His Son, Jesus, or the image of God.

I’ve realized that this target might be inadequate; it is only the means and not the end.  Thanks John Piper for your gift of teaching and the wonderful world of podcasts to remind me of something so simple.  The end, goal, target, aim, bull’s-eye, etc. is worship and praise of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  See Ephesians 1:3,6,14.  Transformation is the process that brings Our Lord more glory, honor, and praise.  Transformation and praise go hand in hand, so how do we move towards framing community questions more around worship?  For example, what areas in your life are not worshipful to Christ?  What areas have you grown in worship?  What areas in your marriage/relationships, purity, finances, speech, discipline, humility, mercy, etc. look more like Christ than a year ago?  How is your capacity and desire to worship the living God growing?  What is an area that your heart desires to worship yourself?

By: Rob Barry