My vision or God's?

We have been working toward an understanding of what a vision is and how that is developed in us for leadership. A God given vision is one that addresses this needs of those around us and attempts to meet those needs in a biblical method. We can define a vision as "a clear mental image of a preferable future imparted by God to His chosen servants. It is based on the belief that it not only could be done but should be done."
The development of a vision can be compared to the process of giving birth: conception, gestation, labor and the birth event when the vision takes on a unique and independent form. We looked at the life of Nehemiah together.

Here is a chart to help us understand the differences between a God-given vision and a man-made one:

Man-made Vision	God-given Vision
You create it based on your gifts and skills.	You receive it as a revelation from God.
Its fulfillment rests on staying ahead of others.	Its fulfillment rests on the person's obedience.
Other similar groups or people are seen as competitors.	Other similar groups or people are seen as complimentary.
Its goal is to build your organization and create personal benefits.	Its goal is to serve people, advance God's kingdom, and honor God.
Stress may emerge inwardly and outwardly.	It is accompanied by inward peace and outward opposition.
It may be dropped for something better.	It is compelling and captivating until fulfilled.

The vision is incredibly important because it identifies the task that God wants us to work toward as leaders. Its development is really parallel to our personal development as leaders - He makes us into the people He wants us to be through the process of enabling us to carry out the vision He has given us. This is a beautiful and wonderful truth. (The ppt presentation is here.)

Our next step is working toward creating our own personal vision statement... but more about that in my next post.