There is one thing that’s crucial to have in the life of every Christ follower—clear vision.
Proverbs 29:18 reveals this critical and profound truth:
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)
This verse gives two key insights into why vision is so important.
First, if a vision is from God, it will have something to do with rescuing the perishing. Because where there is no vision—no revelation from God—people perish.
Second, a vision from God will always either come straight from His Word or be perfectly in line with it.
Don’t discount the second half of this verse, “But he that keepeth the law (he that keeps the Word), happy is he.”
Vision needs to come from God’s Word and be aligned with God’s Word…and it’s significant that other Bible translations of this verse say that where there is no vision, people are unrestrained…or they run wild.
You see, God uses vision in your life and mine to bring clarity and unity and to harness our potential as the body of Christ.
It’s so important to understand the power of vision. So I’ve created a simple acrostic using the word V-I-S-I-O-N to help you understand what vision is and what it can do in your life.
“V” stands for “value.” Your vision will very likely reveal what you value as significant. It’s an indication of what is a priority in your life.
As believers, our top priorities should align with God’s priorities—which are reaching the lost and then helping them grow through the teaching of God’s Word.
Once saved, the Word is our pathway to discipleship, liberty, answered prayer, healing, guidance, edification, spiritual victory, and being equipped for every good work.
Take a moment and consider what you value most. Your honest answer will reveal the nature of your vision and whether or not it is a God-given vision.
“I” stands for “investment.” When you have a vision, it will require an investment of your time, your treasure, and your talents.
When your vision comes from God, you’ll find yourself investing in that which is nearest and dearest to God’s heart: reaching precious souls and helping them grow through the Word of God.
“S” stands for “speech.” Vision produces a common language, and unified speech not only reveals whether we are in step with one another, but it also releases power.
First Corinthians 1:10 puts it this way…
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (emphasis mine)
When your speech begins to align with God’s Word and with the vision of your church community, God’s power can be released to impact your neighborhood, your city, and the world.
The second “I” stands for “inspiration.” People are inspired when you invest in what you value and talk about it with enthusiasm.
Once you catch a vision of the incalculable value that God places on a human soul, and the lengths to which He went to rescue people, it will inspire you to take action. And finally…
The last two letters, “ON” remind us to stay “on target.” Vision keeps you on target and helps keep you “on fire” for the Lord.
A clear vision keeps the main thing central to your focus, and it keeps you from becoming lukewarm.
If you’ve gotten off track or lost your fire and want to get it back, start hanging around people on fire for God. People who have vision!
