THE POWER OF VISION

Therefore my beloved, be steadfast, immovable... knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. -- 1 Corinthians 15:58

Vision is a powerful thing. Without it, Solomon stated, "the people perish," (Proverbs 29:18). We'll come back to a possibly better translation of the ancient proverb in a moment.

A compelling vision helps us to stay the course in the midst of adversity. It drives us to risk and to attempt. It both stretches and grows our faith. As the author of a jesusculture.com article put it, "Vision gives pain purpose."

A man without a vision is a man without a future. 

A man without a future will always return to his past. 

-- P.K. Bernard

Vision is not just what we see, but how we choose to see it. Impaired vision is not a condition of the eyes, but one of the heart. I say this because first and foremost, the focus of our vision is to be Christ himself.

The writer of Hebrews put it this way:

... let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, 

and let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus... 

-- Hebrews 12:1-2

Back to that famous Proverb (29:18). It might be better translated:

Where there is no revelation - of God himself and his purposes - 

the people lose heart and are discouraged.

(My transliteration considering multiple versions). 

Let's turn the verse around:

When we look to Christ, and seek to know him and his purposes, 

we find joy, meaning and passion. 

1) When our eyes are fixed on Jesus self-focus and selfishness diminish.  

2) When our eyes are fixed on Jesus comparison with others dies. 

3) When our eyes are fixed on Jesus we are powerfully and immovably about our purpose and mission. 

God, open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you.

For now...

D