Vision in 2010

Here we are at the end of one year, and the beginning of a new year. People begin to reflect on the things that they have done… areas where they succeeded, and in many cases, areas where they have failed. Some people try to come up with some thing that they can resolve to do (or not do) in the coming year. Most people fail pretty quickly.

My thought on the cusp of the New Year is found in Proverbs 29:18. It says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.” If you look at some of the other translations of the Bible, you get the sense that this vision is more of a God-guided thing. The NLT says, “divine guidance”. The ESV uses, “prophetic vision”. Basically, it there is no guidance from God, no goal that is lead by Him, then people get distracted and lose focus on the goals that He has for them.

So as you start out this New Year, I suggest two things… Choose to get your life right with God. (Check out this link)

And then come up with some goals for the year. God has given each of you some talents and abilities that you are to use for Him. When you look into planning in the corporate world, companies come up with a statement, or sometimes a slogan that focuses them on a specific goal. I did a little digging. Here are a few examples.

This is from Microsoft:
“As a company, and as individuals, we value integrity, honesty, openness, personal excellence, constructive self-criticism, continual self-improvement, and mutual respect. We are committed to our customers and partners and have a passion for technology. We take on big challenges, and pride ourselves on seeing them through. We hold ourselves accountable to our customers, shareholders, partners, and employees by honoring our commitments, providing results, and striving for the highest quality. Your Potential. Our Passion.”

This is from IBM:
“ Dedication to every client’s success. Innovation that matters – for our company and for the world. Trust and personal responsibility in all relationships.”

This is from Build a Bear:
“At Build-A-Bear Workshop®, our mission is to bring the Teddy Bear to life. An American icon, the Teddy Bear brings to mind warm thoughts about our childhood, about friendship, about trust and comfort, and also about love. Build-A-Bear Workshop embodies those thoughts in how we run our business everyday.”

This one is from Teen Mania:
“To provoke a young generation to passionately pursue Jesus Christ and to take His life-giving message to the ends of the earth!”

They also listed core values:
“Faith -- We receive direction, provision, and motivation directly from God and His Word to take the Gospel to the World.

Integrity -- We are who we say we are; and we always do the right thing, regardless of expediency.

Relationships -- We have servants’ attitudes, and we go to heroic lengths to meet the needs of others.

Vision -- We dare to dream as big as God dreams and believe that with God on our side, we can achieve the impossible.

Excellence -- We demand of ourselves uncompromising quality and strive to be people who demonstrate excellence in everything we do.”

This is from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries:
“Ravi Zacharias International Ministries seeks to reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the credibility and the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ. With a team of individuals based in six countries, RZIM is committed to reaching this generation around the world - in the university, the arts, politics, business, and the church. Through open forums, community outreach, and various media, we seek to remove the barriers to the cross for the skeptic and we prepare Christians to give a reason for the hope within us.”

This is from Ray Comfort/Living Waters:
“Inspiring and equipping Christians in fulfilling the Great Commission. In our passion to glorify God, magnify His grace, and exalt His Son, Jesus Christ, it is our mission to serve the local church by assisting in globally educating God's people in the principles of biblical evangelism; Exhorting them to fulfill the Great Commission; and equipping them with every necessary resource along the way. We do this primarily through the teaching and preaching of God's Word, strategic conferences, academic and practical training opportunities, networking platforms, and the production and dissemination of various printed and audio/visual media.”

And this is from Infuzion:
“Downloading Jesus Christ to this generation so they can stir up the gifts and talents within themselves, and Holy Spirit can challenge, inspire and empower them to reach the dreams, visions and plans God has for them. Experiencing an INFUZION of power from God to bring out creativity, encouragement and a desire for righteousness. Walking IN FUZION in the direction the Holy Spirit leads so that seeing the supernatural becomes natural.”

So now you have seen some ideas for a vision, or a mission statement. What about writing one for your life? You know the talents that God has given you. You may be afraid to step into them, but you know they are there. What about your relationships? With your family? With your friends? With those that may rub you the wrong way? What about your work? Your school? Your personal study with God? Your worship? Your attitude? Your feelings? Your areas of struggle? Begin to write something that defines who God has called you to be. It may need to be changed as you learn more over time, but start with something. It is easier to turn a moving car.

Now think of three things that you can set your mind to do for God. Keep your focus on sharing your faith with others. Make them maybe behaviours that you have to change in yourself. Maybe some project that you can accomplish over the course of the year. Dig out those old skills and talents that maybe people don’t know you have. Nurture them. They are there for a reason.

Why should you do this? It's a good way to focus yourself on certain things, and then you can measure when something doesn't move you towards your goal. With so many things trying to get our time, sometimes we just need to focus on what is our priority. As one preacher put it, "It is easy to tell someone who you are, but sometimes you need to be able to tell them who you are not."

Above all, be loving to all people during the coming year. Choose to love them where they are, and be there when the need help. Find a need. Fill a need.

I wish you all the best in the coming year. May this one be the best you have ever experienced. If you are a follower of Christ, may it be filled with success. If you are not, may the hounds of heaven be on your tail. :)