The Importance of a Vision

Many churches have adopted a vision statement, which is the hope of what is to come.  A vision can almost be compared to a dream.  Within many churches there may be different ministries that also adopt a vision statement.

A vision gives you a frame of reference, a foundation in which to build upon.  It is a good idea for everyone to develop their own vision.  Proverbs 29:18 says in the New American Standard version that when there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.

Most of us can probably name an area in our lives that could use some improvement or change.  This is where the importance of a vision comes into play.  Without a vision, we are likely to keep doing what we have always done.  If you are ready to break away from the same old thing, then take heed to the wisdom found in Proverbs 29:18.  Develop a vision. 

Let’s consider one area of a person’s life that could benefit from a vision.  Statistics show that the rate of divorce in Christian homes is not much different than the rate of divorce for those who don’t profess to be Christians.  Christian marriages should not be suffering the same fate as those that are not built on faith. 

If there is no vision for a marriage then the people become unrestrained.  Suddenly we begin to believe the same lies as the rest of the world believes:

• “If we aren’t happy then we should get out.”
   
• “The grass is greener on the other side.”
   
• “Perhaps we married the wrong person.”

These are all unrestrained thoughts that begin to plant themselves deep within us.  Pretty soon we begin to act on them.  However if you were to develop a vision for your marriage, you would be putting into place the possibility of what can be. 

Yesterday my husband and I celebrated 19 years of marriage.  We recognize that this is a real milestone.  Not many marriages make it this far.  We are also creeping into a new stage of life where our children’s dependence upon us is lessening.  There will come a day when it will be just him and I.  Then what?

I believe that a vision needs to be developed.  If I am going to spend the rest of my life with my husband, long after our children have grown and moved out, are we prepared for it? 

While my vision might be that our marriage becomes stronger and closer, it can’t stop there.  Some goals and plans need to be put in place.  We have to begin to take steps to move toward that new season.  So perhaps we will finally get away and take that weekend to ourselves, something we haven’t been able to do since having children. 

Or I might find ways to help us to get to know each other even better.  We know each other to a certain degree but perhaps it is time to go deeper.  All of this will help keep us grounded and prevent our marriage from becoming unrestrained.

There are so many areas that this concept can be applied to.  Take time to think through areas that need a vision.  Begin to develop a vision and then take the steps that are necessary to get there.