Effective leaders understand the importance of having a vision and communicating it to our organizations. Without vision, an organization goes through the motions of completing its daily work but with no unifying core values, a sense of purpose, or direction.
What about us as individuals? Is having a personal vision important? What is the difference between an organizational vision and a personal vision? What is the purpose of a personal vision?
Is Having a Personal Vision Important?
Yes! God created us with great care, made each of us unique, and prepared good works for us to do. A personal vision will recognize how God uniquely made us and has created us to do good works.
- We are carefully and uniquely made 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13-14)
- To do good works 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
Having a personal vision statement helps us align our lives with God’s purpose for us as unique individuals who were created to do specific works.
What is the Difference between Organizational Vision and Personal Vision?
Good leaders are able to envision a future state and communicate that vision to the organization in a way that motivates them to achieve the vision. The organizational vision begins with man.
Godly leaders must have a personal vision of the future that God has for us and the unique calling that He has put on our lives. The personal vision of a Christian begins with God.
Solomon wrote in Proverbs 29:18,
“Where there is no prophetic vision, the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
“Prophetic vision” refers to God’s message delivered to leaders by prophets. “The law” refers to the Word of God.
In the New Testament, Paul refers to a vision from God in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, and John describes a vision of God’s eternal plan in Revelation 21:1-7. In each case, the vision originated with God and provided a specific look into the future.
It is essential for a Godly leader to distinguish between man’s vision and God’s. Having appropriated God’s vision, it is critical that we align our life’s work to the vision God has for us.
What is the Purpose of a Personal Vision?
The purpose of a personal vision is to define who we are in Christ in light of our unique spiritual gifts and talents. Therefore, a personal vision should define our purpose and provide direction in our lives.
Next Step: Develop Your Personal Vision
Helen Keller said, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision.” Therefore, as Godly leaders, we should begin each year by spending some time in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and confirming His vision for our lives, and then we need to do what God has created and uniquely gifted us to do!
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3)
Your personal vision statement should be short (1-2 sentences) so that you can memorize it easily. It should consider your understanding of who you are in Christ, your specific spiritual gifts and talents, your passions and life experiences, and how your good works will help others.
Discussion Questions
These questions can serve as a valuable framework for guiding a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.
- Why is having a personal vision important for individuals, and how can it positively impact their lives?
- What are the differences between an organizational vision and a personal vision, and how can leaders use both to guide their decisions?
- How can a personal vision help individuals align their lives with their purpose and the unique gifts and talents God has given them?
- What are some practical steps leaders can take to develop and communicate their personal vision to their teams or organizations?
- How can leaders distinguish between man’s vision and God’s vision, and why is it essential to align with God’s vision for our lives?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome! As a Christian leader, do you have a personal vision for your life that came from God? If so, how are you living out His vision?
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Category: Personal Development | Vision
