Providing the Vision

"Living water, flowing through, God, we thirst for more of You. Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire: Just to know You and to make You known, we lift Your Name on high. Shine like the sun. Make darkness run and hide. We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. It's time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive!" These lyrics from Casting Crowns' "Thrive" remind us to rely on God and let Him live through us so that we can reach our greatest potential: "Joy unspeakable; faith unsinkable; love unstoppable; anything is possible!"

The central Scripture for tonight is 2 Samuel 5:1-3, 6a: "All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, 'We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, "You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will become their ruler."' When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel...The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there." (NIV)

Using David as an example, John Maxwell points out five things that vision does. Vision:

1. Unites
2. Provides a center for leadership
3. Dominates inner conversation
4. Inspires greatness
5. Attracts others to the leader

A vision is one of the most important things you can provide for, help develop with, and communicate to your followers. Vision is a strong driving force for the organization, provided the leader uses it to help direct the team. Without vision, how do you know where you're going?

The reflection question for tonight asks, "How do you see your vision energizing others?" It takes energy to perform work. How are you energizing your followers to help achieve your vision? Are you doing that? If not, ask God to help you, then follow through with guidance from the Ultimate Leader!

God bless you!