Lansing is on the up and up.  There is economic growth, population growth, unemployment is less than the state and national averages, and studies reveal it is becoming a more attractive to live and work here.  Former Mayor David Hollister’s vision of a world-class city is truly unfolding.

There is, however, a vision that transcends all this, a spiritual one.   Here is what I see for Lansing: a city renowned for its quality of life, leadership, and family friendly atmosphere.  A place to which people flock for the caliber of its schools and integrity of its institutions.  A city where people feel safe to walk the streets and children are not afraid to go to school.  A place where church and state work together for the good of the community and care for the underprivileged.  A city where people of all ethnic backgrounds and creeds are not only welcomed, but respected.

I picture a region with an economic climate second to none, one that attracts major corporations from all over the world.  Where businesses stay because of low taxes, quality of workers, and harmonious labor relations.  Where research, development, and innovation flourish because government fosters it and all people are free to exercise their God-given gifts of creativity and enterprise.

Not a humanist utopia, and not a purely capitalist state.  No, the place I imagine could never be realized by mere human philosophy, wisdom or effort.

The city I dream of requires a major change in the hearts and minds of its residents.  It calls for an awakening to the reality of not just the existence of God, but His right to rule in the lives of people.  It demands a rejection of the relative and an embrace of the absolute.  A city built on less will be plagued with problems that never get better, but only grow worse.

In a spiritually awakened Lansing, ethical and moral virtue prevails.  That which is right is honored and upheld; that which is wrong scorned and rejected.  Good is called good; evil is called evil.

Pornography is not a problem because no one looks at it any more.  Substance abuse is nonexistent because people have a purpose in life.  Prostitutes can’t find work because men in this city are faithful to their spouses.  Bars are scarce because few patronize them.  Violence, strife, and abuse are next to nothing because people love one another.  Churches and synagogues are exploding with growth because so many people want to worship God and hear His word.

A pipe dream?  No, it is just what Jesus taught us to pray for when He said, “Your kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  It is what He commanded us to work for when He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

The city I see is what God intended for all cities.  Perhaps it’s a dream now, but it most certainly can become a reality.

To be sure, there is no way we can have a city that is perfect or that lasts forever; that is yet to come.  We can, however, have one where the Spirit of God has found a home in the hearts of  its people, and where Jesus is Lord and His word the foundation for living.

I have seen it happen in individuals.  I have seen it happen in families.  There is no reason why it can’t happen in the City of Lansing.