Comments: Big Picture or Loose Bricks?

Solomon wrote, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). Jesus told His disciples, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Jesus also commissioned His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), warn the world and the nations of Israel about sobering events that lie ahead (Matthew 24) and prepare a people to rule with Christ in the coming Kingdom of God (Luke 1:17; Revelation 5:10).

This is the BIG PICTURE that we need to keep our minds focused on. To accomplish the mission that Christ gave to His Church requires a team that is of one mind and that can work together smoothly (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:11-16).

Regrettably, some today get distracted by the endless trivia that circulates on the Internet or by wanting their personal ideas to become Church doctrine—instead of staying focused on doing the Work of God. It is not surprising that the Apostles warned against getting side-tracked on picky, peripheral issues (2 Timothy 2:14-26; 2 Peter 1:20) and wanting to sit in judgment of issues that are outside our responsibility (see Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5).

Yet, some prefer listening to rumors and looking for problems—the loose bricks—instead of recognizing what God is doing and where He is doing it, and how much is being done by so few. This approach only fosters division and hinders the Work of God. Jesus Christ was a mission-oriented person (John 4:33-34), and the Apostle Paul urged brethren to focus on the positive, not the negative (Philippians 4:8).

Let’s follow their examples and stay focused on the BIG PICTURE!