I have been in the social work field for a couple of decades, and, in addition, I worked with folks as a pastor. It seems like I am always dealing with issues of the past. I have been able to enjoy success as I see people overcome addiction to pornography, challenges in their marriages, and so on. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do! However, As I engage in a Christian Life Coaching Certification with Dr. Shawn Kirk my eyes have been opened to a whole new world.

Life Coaching is the missing piece in my life as a minister. Life coaching is designed to inspire folks to look at the vision God has for them. It is hope for the future, the fulfillment of their potential in God. I have been rejuvenated as I am learning how to utilize Christian Life Coaching. But you may ask, is Life Coaching Biblical? I am so glad you asked. Proverbs 29:18 tells us,

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (KJV)

The word Vision is the Hebrew word ḥāzôn, “A masculine noun meaning a revelation using a vision, an oracle, or a divine communication. The primary essence of this word is not so much the vision or dream itself as the message conveyed. It signifies the direct, specific communication between God and people through the prophetic office.”^[1] To truly have a vision we need to be in communication with God; we need to have a relationship with our Father and Creator.

When Habakkuk tells us “…Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV) he is using the same Hebrew word ḥāzôn. We tend to believe that Vision is just some words we put together that paint the future of what we want our lives to be, but it is deeper than that. It is the future that God has for us. 

As Dr. Kirk pointed out in our first class, the entire secular world understands the importance of having a vision; that is especially true with corporate America. However, a Vision, in a Biblical sense, requires more than just fancy words; it requires a relationship with God so that we can truly discover our purpose.

As a minister, I want to see people delivered from demonic oppression. We must cast out demons out of people when applicable. Deliverance has to do with the now, with the present condition of a person. As a minister, I want to address the issues of the past through counseling. Many are unable to even look at the promised land of their destiny as they are crippled by their past. Lastly, through life coaching, I like to be a part of launching folks into their divine vision; this is the missing link in my life as a minister. 

It is vitally important that we addressed the individual as a whole: spirit, soul, and body in accordance with First Thessalonians 5:23, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV) 

If one aspect of us is unhealthy it will affect the rest of our being. You can’t claim to be spiritually healthy if you are physically unfit. You could be physically fit; however, if your soul is out of control, as your mindset, your decision-making, and emotions are out of order, again, your whole being is affected. We have the mandate to present our spirit, soul, and body holy before the Lord. We have the mandate to do better; Philippians 2:12 tells us,

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, (NIV)

The word salvation is the Greek word sōtēría; meaning, “Safety, deliverance, preservation from danger or destruction.”^[2] We are not working out our salvation, God did that in accordance with Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.” (NIV) However, we have a responsibility to work on things and do better. Yes, God will always do the heavy lifting; but we must always activate our faith. We must trust God for our deliverance, for our future, and for every aspect of our lives. Hebrews 11:6 tells us,

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)

The moment we allow demons to have a field day with us, the moment we allow ourselves to be cripple by our past and the moment we start living our lives without a vision, at that very moment we start perishing and we are displeasing God by limiting ourselves from the divine opportunity to be transformed by His power. And that is precisely what we deny, His power. Paul speaks of these folks this way, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:4-5 (KJV)

Having a form of godliness… but don’t apply what you learn in church. Having a form of godliness, you claim to have faith, but walk around afraid of Covid… Having a form of godliness, speaking in tongues, but can’t forgive… Having a form of godliness but falling apart over every little thing… having a form of godliness, but still cripple by the past. 

^[1] Warren Baker and Eugene E. Carpenter, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament(Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003), 325.

^[2] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).