Where there is No Vision

“Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” – Proverbs 29:18

Do you have a sense of vision for this year?  What about the next three years?  Are you inspired by it?

Vision is an overused word in the business world and often misunderstood because it can be very complex or simple based on its use and application.  In simple terms vision is a revelation that gives you insight into the future.  It is a picture of your preferred future.  If everything you hope for was to occur what will your reality look like? That is your vision.  Vision is sometimes confused with mission.  Mission is who you are and what you are trying to do, while vision is who you are trying to become.  Mission provides a road map towards the future, while vision provides a target into the future.  A lack of vision can be detrimental to an organization.  Organizations that lack a clear vision tend to experience the following symptoms:

1. Complacency
2. Lack of focus and direction
3. Lack of energy and enthusiasm
4. Internal complaints and high turn-over
5. Low financial returns
6. Lack of innovation
7. Limited growth

An organization’s ability to do impossible tasks is not based on its capacity but based on its belief and view of the future.  A great vision inspires people to achieve beyond their capacity.  As long as there is inspiration and hope individuals stay the course and do what it takes. Organizations with a compelling view of the future have a competitive edge because they are able to address today based on tomorrow’s possibilities rather than allowing themselves to be overwhelmed by today’s problems. Crafting a compelling vision statement, however, is not easy. It must meet these seven criteria:

1. Bold
2. Measurable
3. Realistic
4. Daring
5. Inspiring
6. Focused
7. Futuristic

To create a well-articulated and balanced vision statement using these seven criteria requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Your vision must reflect not what you can do alone but what you can do only with the help of God.  If you can accomplish it on your own then it is not a vision.  If you do not have the seeds to accomplish it then it is a wish.  Your vision must strike the proper balance between that which is possible and that which is on the edge of impossibility but is yet still possible.  It must reflect not what you can do but what you must do.  You may only be able to raise  one million dollars but how much money do you need to raise? That is your vision.  When our vision focuses solely on what we can do we limit ourselves to our own ability. But when we focus on what we must do we are then able to tap into God’s abilities.   

My prayer for you today is that God will give the grace to craft a vision statement that reflects what you can only do with God’s help and if you already have a vision that you will review it and ensure that it energizes you and your team for this upcoming year.