Proverbs 29:18 emphasizes the importance of having a clear sense of direction and purpose in life, stating that "where there is no vision, the people perish." However, it's important to note that a vision cannot be brought to life without individuals willing to obey. The second half of the verse explains that "whoever obeys the law is joyful," highlighting the joy that comes from taking action to fulfill a vision. In this blog, we will explore the power of obedience in unlocking vision and how it can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Start with a "Yes" to God.
When we think of vision, it's essential to understand that it's not just about seeing what could be. A vision is a call to action, a task that must be completed. Let's consider this: would a wise and loving God impart a vision to someone who had no intention of obeying it? It's highly unlikely. God knows us intimately, including our strengths, weaknesses, and intentions. He knows whether we will follow through with the tasks he assigns us. Therefore, if we're finding it difficult to discern a clear vision for our lives, we must examine our hearts and willingness to obey. We must ask ourselves: "Am I receptive to the changes this vision might require? Am I prepared to obey God's guidance, no matter where it leads me?" Only when we are truly ready to say 'yes' to these questions are we ready to receive and fulfill God's vision for our lives.
"Yes" must be built on trust.
The word "Yes" is based on trust. It's difficult for most of us to obey someone else's plans for our lives as we prefer to be in control. However, when it comes to obeying God, trust becomes essential. We must remember that our Heavenly Father always has our best interests. He knows what we need even before we ask for it (Matthew 6:8). C.S. Lewis once said: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
Trusting in God's plan and purpose allows us to see things from His perspective. With this newfound trust, we can confidently and courageously say 'yes' to God's vision. When we trust in God, we can surrender our plans and desires and fully commit to His will. This act of obedience allows us to enter into a deeper level of intimacy with Him, where we can better understand His vision for us and receive the strength and guidance we need to fulfill it.
Understanding Proverbs 29:18 in reverse
Let's revisit the beginning of this blog: "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18a KJV). When we apply what we've discussed about obedience and flip it around, it becomes "without people willing to obey; there will be no vision." In other words, visions cannot come to fruition without individuals who are open to God's plan and purpose for their lives and willing to follow through with it obediently. The power of obedience is not just about fulfilling a task or achieving a goal. It is about aligning ourselves with God's perfect will for our lives.
When we choose obedience, we allow God to work through us to bring His plans to life. It's easy to get caught up in our plans and desires, but the truth is that without obedience to God's will, there can be no true vision for our lives. We may come up with our ideas and goals, but without obedience, they will never truly align with God's plan for us. As we continue our faith journey, let us remember the power of saying "yes" to God and trusting His perfect plan for our lives. Let us be willing to obediently follow Him wherever He leads us so that we can see His visions brought to life.
Cultivating Obedience within the Church: Guiding Towards Vision
As spiritual leaders, it's our responsibility to guide our congregations toward obedience to God's will. This helps us to steer them towards His vision effectively. To cultivate a culture of obedience within our churches, we can implement the following strategies:
Proclaim the Word: The Bible is our ultimate guidebook for obedience. Regular preaching and teaching from it will provide clear instructions on how to live according to God's will. We should encourage our people to study the Bible personally and provide resources to aid them on this journey.
Model Obedience: Our actions speak louder than words. As leaders, we must live out the obedience we preach. When members of our congregations see us living in obedience to God, it encourages them to do the same.
Foster a Spirit of Humility: Obedience requires humility - acknowledging that God's way is superior to ours. We should cultivate humility in our churches by acknowledging our dependence on God and praising Him for His wisdom and guidance.
Encourage a Prayerful Life: Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. We should encourage our congregation to pray daily, asking for God's guidance and expressing their willingness to obey Him.
Instilling a culture of obedience in our churches is crucial to leading our congregations toward God's vision. Often, we live in a leadership culture that prioritizes vision over obedience, which can lead to disappointment. However, we should flip that around and start obediently, trusting God to reveal His vision for our lives. By doing so, we can experience the fullness and abundance of living a life obedient to our Heavenly Father. Saying 'yes' to Him every day and following His path opens the way for His will to be done, His kingdom to come, and His vision to be fulfilled.
We must guide our people in obedience as we progress towards God's glorious vision. Without obedient people, God's vision will perish. Therefore, let us cultivate a culture of obedience in our churches, trusting in God to reveal His vision for our lives. By doing so, we can bring His visions to life and experience the fullness of joy that comes from living a life of obedience to our Heavenly Father.