• Leslie Wilber •
• Originally published January 2, 2009 at 4:50 p.m., updated January 2, 2009 at 4:50 p.m.

As we enter 2009, it's natural to be thinking about the new year. In fact, many of us have already filled in our calendars with events like birthdays, family vacations, conferences or work assignments.

You might say that you've "got a vision" for what you want to accomplish this year and you're committing to that vision by writing down parts of it in fact, there is a biblical principle found in Habakkuk 2:2 "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who read it may run."

This past election year, we have heard about the vision for our nation. At every debate, and every stop along the campaign trail, presidential-elect gave us another "sound bite" concerning his vision for new leadership and social programs that will better America.

I love this nation, and I'm praying for our future, as I trust all who read this are. My hope will always be that those in high political office trust God for direction and lead with integrity and a love for the people they govern.

But I've lived long enough to know that social programs alone and government "fixes" from Congress don't change people's hearts. God has given that assignment - the opportunity to make a Kingdom difference - to another body of people, namely you and me and every person who calls Jesus - Lord.

There is a Kingdom agenda much higher than any presi dent, King or ruler can put in place. More than ever our vision is to lead believers into their place of ministry - be it in the home, on the job or in our community - to make a radical difference for Christ.

The vision for our churches is to find ways to be relevant in our society. God help us if we fall prey to the dying habits of the old saying: "We've always done it this way."

We are not called to be comfortable with the status quo, but to have a vision for new ways and means by which to reach people for Christ.

Let us pray that God will help raise up people in 2009, there should be one word God lays upon our heart ... LOVE. God's love is still the answer to lasting, healing changes in our lives.

Today, we see the evidence of sin in declining marriages, family breakups, the rise of pornography and ever-lowering standards for entertainment. We see urban communities flooded with gang violence and social programs failing. But in the face of sin , we are called to love. First Peter 4:8 says, "above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

The Rev. Ronald O. Green is associate pastor of New Light Baptist Church in Woodsboro.

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