Businessman looking to the future with telescope at sunriseBusinessman looking to the future with telescope with copy spaceVision concept. Calm businessman surveys the future. Blue sky and ocean background.

Why is vision important? 

Vision is one of our core values in Teen Challenge. Vision is seeing beyond the present and it is one of the essentials of effective leading. It is important to see beyond our present circumstances into the future fulfillment of our dream. 

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Leaders must be close enough to relate to others but far enough ahead to motivate them. The team depends on the leader to know where the organization is going and how to prioritize.  

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision the people perish.” In Habakkuk 2:2, the prophet was told by the Lord to “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets.” When you read these scriptures, it seems that having vision is not an option. Taking the next step of writing it down, as the Lord told Habakkuk, helps us to clarify the vision the Lord gave us.

A great leader’s courage to fulfill a vision comes from passion, not position. What has God put on your heart? What are you passionate about? Remember, people accept the leader and his/her passion before they accept and participate in the vision. The success of a vision is determined by ownership by both the leader and the people. 

One of my greatest joys is when, unbeknownst to them, I hear our staff talking about the vision. If they speak with passion and clarity, then I know I’m on track.

Leaders are meant to be out front to take followers to places they might not go otherwise. They see a vision further than others see it, and they see it before others see it. Eric Hoffer said it well, “The only way to predict the future is to have the power to shape the future.” Everyone ends up somewhere in life. A few people end up somewhere on purpose. Vision is what makes the difference. 

A clear vision, along with the courage to follow through, dramatically increases your chances of coming to the end of your life, looking back with deep satisfaction, and thinking, “I did it. I succeeded. I finished well.” 

Here are 7 observances I’ve made about the process of a vision:

  1. Vision generally comes as a result of an extended time of prayer.
  2. Once you have a vision, it needs to be clearly articulated.
  3. The team needs to have the opportunity to speak into the vision.
  4. Developing a strategy for completing the vision must follow.
  5. Executing and implementing the vision are the next steps. 
  6. Tenacity and persistence seem to consistently follow execution.
  7. Finishing and moving on to what the Lord has next is vital.

May God continue to help us see our vision to put hope within reach of every addict become a reality. May He increase your vision for 2020, as well as your vision for the coming decade.

 

Jerry Nance, PhD

President/CEO

Global Teen Challenge

 

 

3 Comments

  1. Garo Margossian on January 21, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    Inspiring!

  2. Steve Paulson on January 22, 2020 at 10:34 pm

    Most encouraging word… thanks

  3. Angie Appenheimer on January 27, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    Great word Jerry. Inspiring and a call to going deeper in the vision.

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