WEEKLY FOCUS ARCHIVE

The Dream Life

January 26, 2005

We have all heard time and time again the famous passages from Martin Luther Kings' "I have a dream" speech. But another of his speeches which is lesser known gives us a look at the foundation for his dream speech and dream life. The night before his death, in his now famous "I've been to the mountaintop" speech, Dr. King closed with these words, "Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I'm happy tonight. I 'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the Lord".

These may be some of the most important of any of Dr. Martin Luther King's words-and he spoke many important ones. They are important for the depth of spiritual courage and for their crystal clear divine perspective. These words are rich with many lessons that offer us insight to living the "dream life". Below are a few of the deep truths revealed in this brief paragraph.

1. Once we have seen the glory of the Lord, then and only then, does life come into proper perspective. In light of the knowledge of God we see ourselves as we are, we see the majesty of the creator, and we recognize the futility of all that does not derive its meaning and purpose in Him.
2. When we are living life for a purpose bigger than ourselves, the dream becomes the "the thing". Even our own lives seem dispensable for the cause. The thought of death, while real, does not deter us from our passion for the fulfillment of the dream.
3. One glimpse of the mountaintop is enough to convince us of the sufficiency of the dream giver, the one who actually created the mountain. He becomes our all in all. From the mountaintop, everything else looks so small.
4. Quality trumps quantity. As an investment broker of rare collectible assets I always tell my clients that quality rather than quantity of assets should be the goal. Dr. King understood this was true of life. Longevity was not the ultimate aim, rather, the quest of the dream is what determined his essence. To live life well is the goal.
5. When you know the "promised land" is secured in the future, worry and fear diminish. The knowledge that the ultimate dream will at some point be fulfilled is the soul's anchor amidst any storm.
6. The desire to do the Lord's will is enough. The Westminster confession tells us of the ultimate issue: to know God and enjoy Him forever. The two go hand in hand. Those that know Him enjoy Him. He really does give life and life abundantly.
7. If the dream is God given it MUST be pursued. The very pursuit of it is what will bring you fulfillment, purpose, poise, and passion. Go get your God given dream!

Let's remember, the dream of Uptown Church is to turn irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Christ. We dream of becoming a community that engages, and by the grace of God, transforms our culture. Let's be about the dream, together. This last year has been the single most difficult of my life, yet I can say that by the grace and mercy of God, my passion for His dreams in me is greater than ever before. I pray that is true of you as well. Let's live the "dream life".

Bruce Smith
Director of Development, Teaching Pastor
bruce@uptownchurch.net

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