Your Vision MUST Start Here

Resolutions, goals, rewriting vision and mission statements or simply reviewing plans for the upcoming year - many leaders during the month of January turn to such matters.

What about you?

I myself am currently working to retool my vision for ministry. While thinking about these things, I recently read Isaiah 6. I found it powerfully insightful and would like to share some reflections with you.

First, a fresh vision must begin with a vision of God himself.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1 NIV)

Times of national change, uncertainty and trouble often lead us to seek God afresh. However, we don’t have to wait for trouble to arise before we seek Him.

While the buzz of activity and busyness of schedules may dull our senses, time spent in the presence of God renews our vision like nothing else.

Second, a fresh revelation of God casts everything else in a new light, and that includes seeing ourselves differently.

Isaiah felt himself unworthy as he gazed upon the Almighty.

"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5 NIV)

In the presence of God, we see ourselves more clearly. Facades, superficiality, busyness are stripped away in His holy presence. Motivations lay bare. Sinfulness becomes apparent.

Third, a fresh encounter with God imparts a fresh cleansing, empowerment and vision for ministry.

A true encounter with God does not leave us in the woe of uncleanness but elevates us to empowerment for service.

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." (Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:6 - 8 NIV)

Many business leaders grasp the essential nature of vision to leadership. We in the church can utilize the best of some of their tools. Still, one stark reality marks the difference between the vision of God’s ministry and a secular organization:

Our vision starts with a vision and calling from God himself.

From there, God’s vision shines a light on ourselves – exposing our motivations, sinfulness, identity, and calling. Then God reveals truths about those to whom minister. He helps us get a glimpse of how He sees them.

Renewal in God’s presence must be the foundation upon which all of our plans rest. Then we can be sure of God’s power, protection, and promise.

Join me as I seek God, asking for a fresh revelation of Himself to me.