Spare Change

Vision Check

Posted by Bryan

Two recent quotes came my way regarding vision...

Gordon Quick, founder, CEO Mentors
"Creating a clear and compelling vision statement is not a simple matter."

and

Bill Hybels
Nothing matters more than the ownership of a vision.

I spent extended time in a conference recently that talked about vision, extensively. In a group of professionals responsible for the visions of their respective organizations, it was shocking to see how many of them (virtually all of them) could not articulate the vision for their organization for the next twelve months. Much of what was shared was iterations of mission or purpose statements.

This hearkens to Proverbs 29:18 (link to multiple translations) which links a lack of vision in leaders to struggles in the people who follow.

A couple of things to note about vision, and the statement that captures it:

• A true vision comes from God (Hosea 12:10). Vision that does not come from God is illusion, delusion, or distraction, but not vision.


• Visions from God point people to God because he reveals himself in visions (Numbers 12:6). If you are pursuing a vision or following a vision that has a destination in anything other than God himself, you are not following God's vision.


• True vision clarifies purpose, eliminates distractions, and puts action to mission. It opens the eyes of the vision caster (Numbers 24:4). A vision that confuses or complicates a person or a church from following God is not a God-given vision.


• There exist some who communicate a compelling vision, but it is not of God. (Jeremiah 23:16). Use biblical criteria to determine if the vision caster who has captured your ear is in fact one who has been captured by the Holy Spirit.


• God continues to be and will remain in the vision business until the need for visions cease.(Joel 2:28). If your leader has been given God's vision, follow that leader whole-heartedly as that leader follows Christ!

October 18, 2007 10:55 AM | TrackBack