The late Helen Keller was asked, “What would be worse than being born blind?” to which she replied, “Having sight without a vision.” As history shows, this was a lady with vision that made a great difference in this world.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18). In this context, the word “vision” means, “a message delivered by the prophets, a revealed message of God.” God’s Word indeed is vision to us, a direction in which to go. Therefore, when there is no direction, people will go anywhere and do anything. However, have we considered where there is vision?” Where there is vision, people are disciplined, lives are structured and priorities are right.
Where there is vision there is the spirit of growth. There is the spirit of enthusiasm (Colossians 1:27-29) and evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20) in congregations that are growing. People love to be involved with such a congregation of the churches of Christ. New folks should be special guests each week. People have to move from “their pews and not complain a whit.
Where there is vision there is “providing out of the people.” Was this not Jethro’s advice to Moses when he saw Moses’ workload (Exodus 18:20-22)? From among the people, reasoned Jethro, select those that could assist Moses over the “small matters.” Beloved, may we seek out from ourselves able men and women that are able to discern right from wrong and apply the right and defeat the wrong (Colossians 2:7). May we be people that fear God (Ecclesiastes 12:13) and that are of truth (Ephesians 4:15; John 8:32). There is never an “unemployment shortage” in the kingdom of God. As in the old hymn, “There is much to do, there’s work on every hand.” Ask folks! Seek out and “provide out of the people” folks that are willing, but ask!
Where there is vision there is a readiness to work. Like those in Nehemiah’s time, we must have the same approach, “…for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6). Awareness, attitude and action are all needed for the right vision. In Paul’s writing to Titus, he emphasized good works that must have a zealous attitude (Titus 2:14), that must be ready to do (Titus 3:1) and maintain them to be good and profitable (Titus 3:8) and for necessary, fruitful uses (Titus 3:14). If there is an effort that is not profitable, well, that is not a bad thing. The good thing is we detect it and replace it with a work that is profitable to God’s glory.
A congregation with vision will look ahead through the direction of the Word of God and be profitable for every member. May all churches of Christ be faithful and press onward!
