What if . . .

I saw part of this posted on http://www.facebook.com/unitedpursuit, and then visited the blog it was taken from - http://jimorred.wordpress.com. I thought I would post some of it here.

What if . . .

- This became the first time in human history, that large numbers corporately and intentionally lived out their lives for the sake of Jesus?
- Every decision was based on what served the Kingdom best? Not what made them or their peers happy.
- Comfort is not the deciding factor, but pleasing God was? What if success was measured by different metrics?
- Sacrifice and generosity become valued?
- Time in prayer and God’s word informed everything?
- Every small decision became about extending God’s reign of life and blessing?
- Each person daily died to self, and lived to daily encourage and spur on their friends to greater Christlikeness?
- Everyone poured themselves into others who discipled others?
- Jobs were taken because of the Kingdom, not because of title or pay?
- Education was pursued not for personal gain, but for Kingdom purposes?
- Living locations were chosen because God chose them? Not for earthly comfort?
- People chose friends because of time in prayer, and they know from the Spirit who they are to run with?
- Prayer was not selfish, but was asking for ways to serve the broken and poor became what was celebrated and desired?
- Everyone chose to pour into the next generation? Even the young became ‘mothers and fathers?’

I see thousands of small gatherings. With food. At times with fasting. In homes, dormitories, coffeeshops. And large gatherings where global apostles come and impart faith and fire and teaching. Corporate burning hearts. Unhindered. People whose schedules are not dictated by popular entertainment. A corporate sense of urgency. It becomes understood what really matters in life. Legacy is what is valued, not the pleasure of this world. They become dim. His glory becomes bright.

New anthems pounding in our hearts. Spoken word at a new level. Storytelling becoming gripping again because films, literature, and art represent ultimate reality rather than replacing reality.

A generation of whom it could be written, they did not limit the Holy One of Israel. They so lived with a corporate heart to pull heaven down to this, His planet. In living communities, not only in institutional life. God’s priorities became theirs. A generation that was found to be faithful and loyal to God and His purposes. To go wherever. In urban locations, and remote areas. To unleash God unlimited. And to multiply this DNA in small groups everywhere, fluent with the culture rather than removed from it.