Life Journal - 06-04-2008 - Vision

Vision
(S) Scripture
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
Proverbs 29:18 (NASB77) 18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.

(O) Observation
Revelation or Vision gives purpose and direction without which people will go in all directions doing all kinds of things, some good and some not. It is the vision that keeps up on track. we are blessed because the law gives the boundaries and direction our lives need. The law gives us a sense of God's vision for our behavior. Our focus then is not solely on the law but more so on the greater vision of God it reveals.

(A) Application
Vision, revelation, purpose, direction give us the structure and confidence we need to live out God's will in our lives. Without these we tend to go off in any direction with any behavior (cast off restraint). This leads to defeated, frustrated and powerless spiritual lives. If the church (that is the body of believers) is to move forward the the vision needs to be clear, consistent and constantly before us. Without it we may be doing some good things but the church does not get to where God wants it. This can also lead to all kinds of sinful behavior and heresy (things contrary to the truth of scripture). It is important for me to keep God's vision before me and the church I serve so we can become who he wants us to be and will be doing what he wants us to do.

(P) Prayer
Lord, make the vision plain and let me clearly understand it so I can communicate it clearly to the church. Amen