Real, spiritual vision.

Vision...

If you have heard me talk many times, you've probably heard me talk about the need for vision. No vision is like the vision of faith, that makes real-though-unseeable-reality so tangible that pursuit becomes tangible.

A verse I often quote, and think of even more often, is Proverbs 29:18. Let me quote it here in multiple translations, so that we might capture more of the nuances the original languages open to us, but which English restricts.

English Standard Version
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

New International Version
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction.

New Living Translation
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

New American Standard Bible
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.

King James Version
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Without revelation people run wild, but one who listens to instruction will be happy

I have been attempting lately to frame some fresh thoughts on this verse and the concept of vision.

First, vision explains. Vision opens up what is not in the headlines. It sees what's not currently being valued, and says, "See here! See this! It's good! Here's why! Let's go!" For example, Moses, living in Pharaoh's household, even when he could see the problem of their enslavement, could not see the way to freedom. He needed to see what was (1) unseen and (2) to also see the doable solution. We need vision!

Secondly, vision restrains. Vision shows us direction. Vision shows us parameters. Vision says "GO!" but not too far, and certainly, vision says "GO!" but don't stop short, and absolutely, vision says "GO!" but not out of bounds. Vision doesn't restrain us for our harm, but that we might be kept from the dangers of being out of bounds and from the danger of go ahead without God or lagging behind where He is moving.

Thirdly, vision trains. Vision turns our minds and hands to what we ought to be doing, and shows us the way to let go of what is not helpful toward mission / vision accomplishment.

Fourthly, vision sustains. When in the midst of troubles and trials, vision reminds us where we are headed. Vision keeps the goal up when spirits are down, so spirits can get up and go on. In the same way, vision maintains; it keeps our eyes on the prize!

We don't drift into excellence or holiness. We need vision for what to go for and what to hold back from. We need to get it from God, lay it down, keep it before us, and GO FOR IT!