A few years ago I was interested in reading a few books on leadership in church. Not primarily because I saw myself as a leader, more because I’m interested in that kind of thing for insight.
In what I read there was often the verse “Without a vision, the people perish.” This was used to establish the responsibility of ‘the leader’ to have the vision so the people can run with it.
I don’t reject that thinking. I can appreciate for certain models of church and the perception of leaders it’s necessary.
Consider however Hebrews and how great men and women of faith were captured by a vision. Recall the part that encourages us to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Consider the whole point of being a follower of Christ is about being constantly compelled with the vision of Christ as displayed in scripture but really known by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Think about how fellow believers by their words and deeds broaden and deepen the view and love of Jesus.
As I contemplate these things, two things occur to me. Firstly – the vision we need really is set by the leader, as long as we acknowledge the leader is Jesus Christ. Secondly – as brothers and sisters with differing and complimentary views of who Jesus is, as we share that in word and deed, we lead each other to a better understanding and greater intimacy of the only vision that matters.
If that’s how we operate – and there are experiences that certainly encourage such – then that should surely inspire and motivate a communal as well as individual deeper love of Christ and His mission.
If as the verse says the people perish without a vision, then surely with completely consumed with the only vision that matters, people will flourish.
That is to say as we live lives committed to mutually encourage seeing Jesus and embracing Him for all He is we experience life to the overflow.
If you see what (and Who) I mean.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 