Everyone likes being the V.I.P. in the room. There is a certain cache about being on this esteemed list. But what does it really mean to be a V.I.P.? In most circles, it means you have the most money, the most notoriety, or the most admirers.
Yet, what if we put it to a different standard, God’s standard? Do you think the people that we deem as “Very Important People” would even come close? Do you think the sports stars, the actors and actresses, or the politicians we put our faith and hope in would measure up?
I read this devotional the other day by Billy Graham and liked it so much that I wanted to share it with you. Next time someone refers to the V.I.P. in the room, think of it in these terms. These are genuinely the qualities that are the foundation of true character.
“In many contexts, V.I.P. means “Very Important Person.” But the acronym also offers us a character test.
The V stands for VISION, for “where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV) Having vision means seeing what can be done, what ought to be done, and how to get it done. The highest vision we can have is to glorify God by discovering God’s will for our lives – and then doing it.
The letter I stand for INTEGRITY, meaning that a person is the same on the inside as he or she appears on the outside. There must be no discrepancy between what we say and what we do between our walk and our talk.
The P stand for PRESENCE –God’s presence in our lives. Without God’s help we are doomed. Only in Christ do we find out who we are, why we are here, and where we are going – and only in him do we find the power to fulfill our God-given vision.”
Instead of the worldly V.I.P., we should desire to attain the qualities outlined in this new acronym. To have vision, integrity, and to live in God’s presence can give you more joy and purpose than simply being viewed as the richest or most powerful person in the room.
Strive to be God’s V.I.P.
