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Vision
Discovering Our Passion
From Dream to Reality
Clear Vision, Three Allies and Samson's Mistake
I feel sorry for Samson, one of the judges mentioned in the Old Testament. He was a great man, a hero. But when we think about him, or if we were to ask someone about him, what immediately comes to mind when we hear his name? His story is of a few individual events, some positive, a few sad ones. No long term goal achieved, no followers left, no new land gained.
Samson had a clear strategy
Samson had a clear strategy - to fight and to win. He fought on the fields, he fought in the cities (well that sounds like a quote from someone else!). But his long-term vision was minimal and his core values are open to discussion (long discussions).
As Wilson puts it:
“Most of as have ample strategies but leaders need to understand that vision is the reason for the strategy.”
Vision, core values and strategic planning are work together as three allies.
In somes way our company, church or personal lives could look like octopus on a rollercoaster—a lot of movement, but no progress.
Samson was an anointed man
Setting goals and having a clear vision are not substitutes for empowering by God’s Spirit. The opposite is true. For a leadership to have a clear, long-term vision it needs to look for effective empowerment. This can partly be achieved through study and training, but the anointing element is irreplaceable.
Consequences of a Clear Vision
So what are the consequences of having a clear vision that can be communicated effectively?
- Vision is builds a clear sense of direction to the mind and heart of community
- Vision is builds a solid base for decision-making processes for individuals, churches, organizations.
- Vision creates a space for the involvement of differently gifted people.
- Vision is stimulates co-operation.
- Vision helps us to see things in perspective.
- Vision stimulates willingness to be involved and enthusiasm for common goals.
Vision, core values and strategic planning are work together as three allies. In particular, vision and core values are vitally important for creating identity and producing a creative climate in churches, companies and families. A good number of institutions have documents called their “Vision” and “Core Values” sitting on the desk of Senior Minister or CEO, or hanging on the wall in staff room. But to communicate vision effectively, and live to it, is a tree with different fruit. Why not seek to plant it, nourish it and enjoy its fruit?