Proverbs 29:19 – “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…” NASU

Proverbs 29:19 – “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint…” NKJV

As we consider the Value of Vision we must consider the Purpose of Vision.  Vision links and gives direction.  Nothing is ever accomplished without it.  NOTHING!  As we read in our text where there is No Vision, the people perish, are unrestrained, cast off restraint, become demoralized and run wild.  It is interesting that each of those renderings from varying translations has an element of truth and together they give a clear picture of the importance of Vision!  Vision in its simplest definition is the ability to see.

Spiritually everyone has a vision.  It is either a Kingdom vision or a Survival vision.  It is either a corporate (collective) vision or an individual vision.  It is either God directed or self-centered but regardless everyone has a vision.

I have discovered that where there is no clear corporate vision of the whole the people are without restraint or cast off restraint, become demoralized, are easily disillusioned and often run wild.  It often has the appearance of a stampede of horses running in all directions and produces discouragement and disappointment.  Everyone has a different view or idea about where to go, what to do and how to get there.  It is like horses pulling in different directions and the result is they are working against each other rather than pulling in tandem.

Matthew 6:33 tells us to “seek first the kingdom…”  That requires Vision and Discipline.  I must see the Kingdom, have a grasp of the purpose of the Kingdom and be planted in the Kingdom.  I must make the determination that I will willingly allow God’s Master Builders to Fitly Frame me into place. That requires and is the result of Vision.  At that point, it is no longer My Vision but Him and His Vision.  It is no longer what can you do for me but what does the kingdom need.

No one will ever rise above the level of their vision.  But the vision will cause you to throw your hook over a higher ledge and will tie you to destiny!  Please hear me carefully.  Without an understanding of God’s Purpose; His end-time agenda, his eternal purpose and how we fit into that purpose the pressure will become unbearable and we will move in cycles of depression and victory.  It will be victory followed by a sense of sheer frustration, lack of purpose and direction.

It is vital that we receive God’s Vision for the Church so that we can become A House, a Building, a Habitation of the LORD that is Fitly Framed Together rather than being just a pile of individual 2 X 4’s in the lumberyard of life.  Vision links us together and makes us like workhorses pulling together in tandem.

The old illustration I have used many times is:  It was reported that one horse could pull 9,000 pounds and the expectation was that 2 horses would 18,000 pounds.  However, when hooked together in tandem the 2 horse did not pull double but tripled the pulling power.  They somehow gained the benefit of a third invisible horse.  Unity produces more than each part.

No matter how good, worthy, noble or right your vision is if it is not linked to the vision of the whole or the kingdom it will become futile and unproductive.  Vision keeps you moving forward in the face of difficulty and seemingly unfulfilled promises.  Vision links you together with others to fulfill the larger purpose of the Kingdom of God.  So, what is your vision?

May God be with you as you go through your day!