Vision is a very important thing. People both in the Christian and secular worlds often speak of vision as something that's pretty important for success. Truth is, vision isn't just limited to success, a great career, or a huge ministry. It's meant to help us live right.
Proverbs 29:18 tells us, "Where there is no revelation (or prophetic vision), the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law."
Many Christians usually quote the first half of the verse. But vision can only be established when we include the second half in the scenario.
Would you want to have a personal vision for yourself, so that you'll be able to live a fruitful life that does not "cast off restraint?" Here are some steps that you should follow.
1. Find Your Identity in God First
Many people, even Christians, would advise you to "look within yourself" to find your "true calling." While it's good to take stock of our skills, interests, and desires, what we should realise is that we won't be able to establish God's vision for us if we look at ourselves.
The second half of Proverbs 29:18 says, "Happy is he who keeps the law." Simply put, we are to hold God's Word in our hearts, eagerly seeking what God has in mind for our lives. It's not even hard to know what He wants for us.
The Bible tells us that God wants all men to be saved and know Christ; that He wants all men freed from sin and bondage and delivered from the enemy; that He wants all Christians to become like Christ; that He wants all men to be led by His Holy Spirit; and that He wants all who profess to love Him and follow Him to deny themselves and live for Him alone. "Finding yourself" doesn't top the list.
2. Find What God Wants You to Do Next
After you discover your true identity in the Lord, that's when you try to find yourself. What I mean by this is you do what God wants in the area that He has designed you for and assigned you to.
This is quite a puzzle for some, but it's actually quite simple: Now you know you should live for Christ because He died for you, you live your life in such a way that honours Him. How, where, and when you do that—these are all up to you.
Find areas of interest where you can bring the gospel of Christ and make Him shine. God has a niche for you: Just seek Him. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (see Colossians 3:23).
3. Be Careful Not to Simply Copy Others—and Miss Out on What God Planned for You
The term "holy" simply means "set apart." In other words, "unique." While God wants all of His adopted sons and daughters to be like Christ, He has especially designed each and every one of us to be unique (see Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
Why? It's because we will honour Him in our own unique way.
There are some who are designed to lead megachurches. There are some who are designed to lead a small congregation. There are some who are meant to focus on just a few people. There are some who are meant to go in front of the crowds. There are some who are designed to enjoy the backstage.
You need to know what God designed you for, and focus on it without copying others.
Don't try to copy another person. The only person we must imitate is Christ Jesus alone. He alone is worthy to be praised, imitated, and worshipped. (see 1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 3:3; Revelation 19:10, 22:9)
