20/20 vision.

Earlier this year in Australia we watched, with certain amusement, the Prime Minister’s “visionary” 20/20 summit held in Canberra, the nation’s capitol city.

One thousand “delegates” were hand picked. There was the usual troupe of actors, activists and (no doubt) trade union officials. I hope there were a few ordinary people invited to voice the opinions of the majority of normal common garden variety Australians.

To be honest, I didn’t pay much attention to proceedings. One fellow, member of a prominent rock band, displayed his vision for Australia by requesting that more modern rock music be played on the airwaves. Another woman stated that she wanted parliament to be made up of 50% of women by a certain date. The earth warmers and tree huggers were out in full force and yet another girl voiced her opinion that all Australians should be treated to free solar hot water. Put my vote there!

One thing is sure – the vision for Australia was varied and as I see it, unattainable. But it was a talk fest, and it did make the headlines. I’m certain that most of the attendees were very well intentioned, with the interests of Australia at heart, but the whole idea missed the mark.

“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:5)

People who are not born again Christians cannot comprehend the Light, which is Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Without Him, there is no lasting purpose in life, personally or nationally.

Many preachers have spoken on 20/20 vision. No, not the Canberra summit, not even the (very good) idea of removing eye cataracts from sufferers in the third world, but on Acts Chapter twenty, verse twenty.

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you,
and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,” (Acts 20:20)

The apostle Paul was speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus. He recounted how he discipled them publicly and privately, through teaching the Word and leading through example.

This should be our vision for Australia. We must reach people with the Gospel of Christ. How can we do this? By teaching the Word from the pulpit and in homes. We must back up this discipling ministry with a Christ like life that puts our teaching into practice.

Political grandstanding will never change any nation for the good. The only hope for Australia is a return to the Word of God, and to the God of the Word.