By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Vision is not just a buzzword, it’s a crucial aspect of effective leadership — here, there, and everywhere. Let’s examine its true meaning and how it can empower us to lead with purpose and meaning.
Unfortunately, vision has lost its meaning and purpose today; it has become clichéd. Phrases like “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” “You can’t see the forest for the trees,” and the ever-popular “Where there is no vision, the people perish” are overused. People frequently discuss vision, but few truly understand its significance and power.
Let’s not underestimate the power of vision. It’s not just a passive idea or a fleeting dream; it’s a force that can empower us to understand and reason our purpose and meaning in life. When appropriately understood, vision becomes the armor that effectively illustrates God’s purpose and meaning. As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words!”
Proverbs 29:18 reads, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (KJV). This verse, often cited as a principle of leadership, holds a meaning that transcends mere motivation. The “vision” mentioned here signifies divine revelation, which emerges from truths we wholeheartedly embrace. Vision embodies the capacity to comprehend and harmonize our lives with God’s will, as disclosed through prayer, scripture and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. In this attitude, vision serves as an anchor, grounding us in God’s plan and empowering us to fulfill it now actively and in the future eternity.
But vision without action is just wishful thinking, a dream. James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). True vision, inspired by God, compels us to act in ways that reflect His purpose and meaning for our lives. This could mean showing love to those who are difficult to love, forgiving those who have wronged us, or serving those in need. It’s not just about seeing the possibilities; it’s about living them out.
Let’s use a few clichés to understand the vision — revelation: “See the forest for the trees.” Vision allows us to rise above the distractions and focus on the bigger picture — God’s overarching plan for redemption and restoration. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Well, through Christ, even the most stubborn hearts can be transformed. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” “Actions speak louder than words.” Our lives become the greatest testimony to God’s vision when we align our actions with His will. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Ultimately, vision is about clarity — the clarity to understand that your life is not random, but intentional, created with purpose and meaning by a loving God. Vision gives us the strength to persevere, the humility to serve, and the courage to lead. Living out that vision enables us to reflect God’s glory to the world around us.
So, let’s not allow vision to remain just a cliché. Let’s embrace it as the divine ability to discern God’s purpose, act on His meaning and walk boldly in His plan. After all, “The sky’s the limit” when we align our vision with His! Remember that our actions are the true reflection of our vision, and when they align with God’s will, we are walking in purpose fueled by His meaningful love.