Key components of Vision

' Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]–blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.'
Proverbs 29:18

A vision statement is a one-sentence statement describing the clear and inspirational long-term desired change resulting from an organization or program’s work.

Great.  So what does that look like?  I need examples.  So, I went out and looked at some respectable organizations vision statements.

Habitat for Humanity: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Alzheimer’s Association: A world without Alzheimer’s
In Touch Ministries: proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people in every country of the world.

And the longest that I couldn't leave out,
International Mission Board: to partner with churches to empower limitless missionary teams who are making disciples and multiplying churches among unreached peoples and places for the glory of God.

The vision statement reminds you "what am I suppose to be doing?" and "where do I want to go?"  Vision statements are crafted to serve as inspiration and a guide.  They should be rememberable so for me they need to be short.  From an organization that compares nonprofits, the top 30 organizations had vision statements that on average only had 15 words.  But the vision statement is more than a few words.  It’ll have a huge influence on your decision-making process and the way you allocate resources.

Why should you concern yourself with a vision statement for yourself, your family?  Without vision: in your life or family you will find yourself wandering in a perpetual state of confusion and apathy.  If you aren't travailing in a predetermined direction you will walk in circles.  The modern proverb, "if you don't stand for something then you will fall for anything" summarizes this.

Vision reminds you why you exist.
Whether you know it or not you exist for something.
Vision will employ mission and strategy.

What is your vision?

--Zine Smith and Michael Walker

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