Alignment needed

Few events this week converged to move me writing this blog. First I was looking at the document prepared by the office of Assessment and Program Effectiveness at the NAD (North American Division Regional office of our church) entitled “From Strategy to Results: Collaborating for Excellence.” Then elder Mike Keim sent me a timely article on how to move forward and not get distracted. Then a pastor prayed at our city ministerial mid-week prayer meeting about being intentional, about aligning our plans and directions with that of God.

I looked in the Bible (search option on my iPhone) to see if any translations uses this word. It is a new word, used only within last couple of centuries with development of mechanics, where a movement expects an alignment of few parts together. Most of you know what “alignment” means. Whenever your car pulls to the side instead of going straight, or when the front wheels shake at certain speed, or your tires get worn uneven, you know you need an alignment and balance. I found it interesting that the new paraphrases use this word for passages where Jesus talks about coming to Him, believing Him. The original words in Greek does suggest this meaning of coming alongside, going in the same direction, being together, parallel. (BTW, the Holy Spirit as Comforter (Greek Parakletos) means “the one coming alongside”)

Petersons “Message” paraphrases John 6:35 & 40: Jesus said “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me....this is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life.”

Our corporate planning meetings make it obvious that different individuals have different directions in mind. What would it take to align ourselves with the clear Vision? To get moving together? First, each must see the direction of the common Vision.

Then , each must chose to change, personally, to come along with the Common Vision. We are praying for Revival for Mission. As each awakes and starts moving, watch the direction, be intentional about aligning yourself. First alignment with Jesus Christ. When he becomes your occupation, your alignment with His Church would be natural, and perfect.