Vision…

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint and are discouraged… ~ Prov.29:18a

Vision is bold. Vision is forward looking. Vision is also terrifying at times as it reveals future quests and directions. Yet without vision our way is lost and we will become discouraged. So it is in our lives as followers of Jesus. We can lose vision in our walk with Him. We can become discouraged when we lose that forward looking revelation and begin to settle into the mindset that deceptively tells us that everything as it is now, will remain that way forever. A life without vision, without that prophetic insight from God, can lead to much frustration and discouragement and leave us wondering and wandering.

Where do we find such inspiration? God’s Word is chock full of it. Vision, hope, future, plans, insight, wisdom. It pours from the Book’s pages. And if we’ll allow it, that pouring will find it’s way into our hearts, giving us fresh and full inspiration. But don’t think I’m talking about this on an individual level.

Looking back at Prov.29:18, it is evident that God’s heart around this is for His people… as a whole. Our society focuses so much on the individual, to the point of our detriment. But God is all about gathering together this group of people… a special people that represents Him… an assembly of saints filled to the brim with love and compassion unleashed on the world who has yet to meet this Wonderful Maker and Rescuer. This “assembly” is called The Church.

How important it is for us, God’s people, to grasp this vision. And it is equally important to understand that we all belong and have a place in it. That every person has a special place and part (1Cor.12:21-26) that is needed in fulfilling the vision and mission of the church.

This is so challenging for me as a leader, because this means that I must never let anyone feel left behind. I can’t allow someone to think that they aren’t necessary, important or as the Bible says, “indispensable.” We all need to be reminded of this and help others remember too. Go out today and let somebody know they are indispensable to the grand vision that God has for reaching the world. Remind yourself that you are indispensable to God’s vision of bringing together a group of people united in purpose and love. And let that vision propel you into new adventures each day.