How important is it for Christians to have a vision?

In the business world, and in the personal development and self-help movements, it is common to promote the setting of goals. Defining objectives is considered foundational to directing individual and corporate efforts. In Christian circles the usual way of describing this is as “having, or getting, a vision”. In other words, setting one’s mind and heart on a desired future outcome. The only goal or vision that counts in the Christian life is that His Kingdom come in the hearts of all people and His will be done. (Matthew 6:10, 2 Peter 3:9)

It is remarkable that in the Bible, which addresses every aspect of life, and the ways of God, there is not one word on goal setting.

The verse that is quoted by some ministers, in support of a teaching on setting goals, is:

“ Without a vision the people perish.”  (Proverbs 29:18)

The quotation is from the King James Bible. It is not an accurate translation from the original Hebrew text, in the way we would understand it in modern English usage.

Up-to-date versions of the Bible translate this to bring out the true meaning. It is not intended as a proposition to encourage goal-setting, but as the truth that without the revelation, and implied admonition, of the Old Testament prophets who received the Word of God, the people would have had no restraint on their behaviour.

The focus of the Christian life is Jesus Christ and His glory – nothing more and nothing less.

This is what the Bible says about your plans and dreams.

Do You Have a Vision for Your Future?

The older we get, the faster time seems to pass. Before we know it, the ambitions, hopes and dreams of our youth become absorbed and forgotten in the background of life, until one day we reflect back and wonder, Should I have done things differently? Did I choose the right path? Is it too late to be what I wanted to be?

I want to encourage you that, no matter how old you are or what you’ve been through, God has a good plan for your life. He wants to fill your heart with a sense of destiny and purpose that will satisfy your soul. 

God knows the thoughts and plans He has for us; plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give us hope in our final outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11)

So what is your vision? If you don’t have a vision, it’s time for you to get one!

A vision doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be just about anything. Maybe your vision is to remodel a home, to lose weight, to get out of debt, to achieve a career goal…or work in full time ministry. Whatever your vision, it’s important to keep moving toward it! God is always on the move, and we need to continually move forward with Him.

God did not create us to be passive individuals who live every day with a “wait-and-see” attitude. He has chosen to partner with us. God has a part and we have a part in everything we do. He does His part by guiding, helping and protecting us daily and we are responsible for doing our part.

The journey toward our plans, goals and visions is just as important as the destination itself. The journey is what builds our patience, faith, endurance, and self-discipline. God has equipped you and me with gifts and talents to achieve our visions, and He wants to prepare us by building our character so we are able to handle future challenges.

To put it plainly, if you don’t have strong character, you will set yourself up for failure, and will not be able to sustain your vision once it comes to pass.

So how do you make progress toward your vision?

I’d like to share three points of wisdom with you that may help you achieve your goals, plans and visions.

(1) Ask for God's Direction

The first one is to pray and ask God for wisdom, direction and ability to hear the Holy Spirit and to obey His promptings.

The second one is to embrace the process and maintain a healthy perspective, especially during times when you feel discouraged.

(2) Stick to the Process

For every vision we set, we must go through a process to get there. I encourage you to be determined—no matter what happens—to stick to that process. It can be challenging to maintain a good attitude during what I call the “silent” seasons—when God is quiet. When we don’t understand and cannot see what God is doing.

During such seasons, your faith will be tested and stretched to your limits. You may be tempted to question your ability to succeed, the decisions you made, and your reasons for pursuing your vision. These are the times when your perspectives matter most. Your thoughts and how you speak are powerful, because they can either breathe life and hope into your vision or condemn and terminate it altogether. So in order to continue moving forward, you need to maintain a good attitude so that your faith remains strong and you are able to see things God’s way instead of your own.

The third point of wisdom I’d like to share with you is to record your vision and journal your progress.

(3) Write It All Down

And the Lord answered me and said, write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behind hand on its appointed day. (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

The Bible tells us to write down our vision so we can see it plainly. I would also encourage you to record your victories, challenges and thoughts along the journey toward your vision. The reason is, when you go through difficult seasons, you will be encouraged when you see how God has helped, guided, and strengthened you along the way. It’s wonderful to have a record of what God has brought you through. Sometimes I dig up my old journals to see how God brought me through times when I didn’t think I could make it. Those journals not only encourage me, they are a testimony of my progress.

Today's Prayer:

Pray with Os Hillman

Invite God into your work life and experience His presence.

Biblical Principles in Network Marketing

As a Pastor, Bill Nissen was against Network Marketing for years.  In 2003, a friend helped 
him see a new perspective.  He still dislikes the ethics of many who do it, but he sees a 
biblical perspective that allows him to not only support network marketing, but embrace it as
a way to serve people.  Watch This Video. It is longer than most (20 minutes) but carries essential information.