How Big is Our Vision

Proverbs 29:18 If there is little vision, the people languish. There is a difference between having no or little and big vision.

As the “old ship of Zion,” the church is sailing forward with initiative and energy. The captain commands a boat to be lowered to respond to the needy. This is different than a ship that is anchored offshore where the focus is inward on the status quo. This boat captain says, "You’re welcome to find a boat to get in board."

How big is my vision of God and His plan? What part does my vision have to play in living my life?

Mark 10:17,18,19,20,21,22 The young ruler was expecting a little vision that wasn’t too hard and would go along with his life, one that wouldn’t impact his relationships with others. Jesus didn’t seek him out; the young man sought Jesus out. Jesus had a much bigger vision that wasn’t in the young man's plan, expectation, or imagination. The young man asked, “How can I get to heaven?” Jesus responded with, "How many people can you take with you?" Jesus doesn’t ask everyone to sell all. He told the young man what he needed to hear.

My vision is personal. Don’t fail to value the call and vision of others. There is great benefit in diversity if it is in unity.

1 Samuel 17:29 Isn’t there a reason to have a bigger vision from God?

Jesus prayed that all the disciples be one. Is that our vision? Or am I looking for the minimum amount of unity I must find to make it to heaven? Can I decide that I only need unity with a select bunch of people to meet that minimum?

Holiness

1 Peter 1:16

Hebrews 12:14

How do I know what holiness is? Am I asking God, “What is minimum I have to do to be holy enough to be accepted as your child”? It is not the lowest common denominator of everyone’s personal conviction or weakness. This does not result in a beautiful holiness. What must I do to have maximum effectiveness for God and be used to help others? Am I kneeling before Jesus like the young ruler, asking Him to answer this question?

Love

Mark 12:30,31 Love is the fulfilling of the law. This is not just an absence of hate or dislike. Ignoring is also a way of expressing a lack of love. Love is active. Love does good. Someone will know if I am doing good to them. Am I asking God, “What’s the minimum amount of love I have to have to make it to heaven?” The better question is: "What is the maximum amount of love and sacrifice I can have to help others make it to heaven?"

Relationships

My relationships need a vision. Am I asking God if I am useful to bless others? My life can be an inspiration.

I must have a vision for the relationships in my home. This is more than financial support; it is guidance, support, and understanding. I need a big vision from God for what is possible. I want the righteousness of God to pass down to future generations. A bigger vision costs more. It asks more; it focuses more.

A bigger vision will change me. It will ask things of me, challenge me, and cost me in reputation or financially. It gives bigger purpose.

John 10:10 A bigger vision gives more life and influence. My example challenges others around me.

“Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today except for the books you read and the people you meet.” (Charlie Tremendous Jones) The people around me and the things I consume will change me.

Am I afraid to ask God for a bigger vision because He might give me something bigger than I expect? Am I content with the little vision version? I may think, “What if He takes advantage of me? How do I know it’s not going to end badly? What if I don't get what I want out of life?” I have to be able to trust God. He knows what I can do know.

God's vision will propel, challenge, and grow. There’s abundance. There is a vision that God has for me if I ask. Do I trust Him enough?