CALL TO A LIFE OF IMPACT (4)

“Then GOD SAID, “Let there be LIGHTS in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night...” – Genesis 1:14

In modelling the CALL to a LIFE of IMPACT, God manifests Definiteness of Purpose, Discipline, and Supreme Responsibility: “Then GOD SAID, “Let there be LIGHTS in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years” (Gen.1:14). The divine language was accurate, intentional and precise. Nothing was left to careless, random chance or circumstantial impulses. The same God who earlier declared, “Let there be LIGHT,” now commanded: “Let there be LIGHTS...” (vv.3, 14). The Lord defined the direction, boundaries, and purposes of every desired Impact.

The Lord had earlier defined and called the firmament (Heaven), the dry land (Earth), and the gathering together of the waters (Seas) (vv.8-10). Now, it was time for each of these components to begin to experience progressive change, based on their God-given DNAs. The earth was commanded to “bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself." Divine Impact is often more gradual and progressive, than instantaneous or one-off. God-glorifying Impact is not haphazard. It responds to the Seed-Time-Harvest principle: “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease” (Gen.8:22). This principle is synonymous to the attribute of Responsibility: The Seed determines the Fruits!

God showed definite responsibility for creation. He defined the distinct purposes of each of the lights in the firmament of the heavens: “The greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night” (v.16). Every star was created for specific purposes, for unique impact within its ambience of influence. The Sun has never had cause to compete against or be envious of the moon or any other celestial body. God’s perfect Creation does not engender competition, conflicts, contention, or friction. And, that is the nature of God-glorifying Impact. It is not about ego, pride, arrogance, showmanship, fight for fame, pursuit of popularity, cut-throat or unhealthy competition.

God-glorifying Impact is more about discovering, pursuing, and embracing purpose with Responsibility. The Sun does not shine for its own sake, but to fulfil divine purpose; neither does the moon. In fact, the moon does not make its own light. “Moonlight” is actually reflected sunlight. These gigantic celestial objects have never evaded, ab-used or mis-used purpose. Similarly, the Call to Impact is a Call to Responsibility: Being dependable, reliable, and accountable for our actions. We cannot delegate our praying, thinking, dreaming, believing, or winning to others. Every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; and every possession, a duty!

We cannot escape the responsibilities of tomorrow by evading it today. The ultimate price of Impact and Greatness is Responsibility! We can learn to meet every Opportunity with Responsibility!