Vision is defined “the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be.” But vision has got to be greater than that. I say this because I am trying to write a message on the subject of vision. But the definition escapes me. I get the sense that I am awkwardly knocking on the door of some great mansion. I know that on the other side of that door lie more doors and opportunity to discover this mansion, but I can get past the door.  And to be honest, it’s frustrating. It’s frustrating because you can sense the immensity of what vision is but yet cannot clearly make out or understand the vastness of what it is. Vision is a promise. But how big is the promise? Vision is a purpose. But how big is the purpose? And what exactly is the purpose? Vision is an idea. But what kind of idea?

I guess that as I wrestle with these thoughts, I come to realize that this is probably one of the most foundational elements of vision: frustration. I think that if vision were easy, and if it were small enough we would easily be able to communicate and clarify what it is. But for those who struggle to put words to their mental pictures, those who desperately try to help others understand what is at this point an expression of emotion and conviction that runs at the level of the heart. Somthing that is clear to them, and no one else. Somthing that is inspirational on a level higher than that of a greeting card or motivational quote. It is a revelation.

It is a purpose, a will, a plan, an idea that connects with the very substance of who we are. It was God who, after creating Adam and “breathing in him the breathe of life,” that God spoke to him revelation and vision. “Be fruitful and multiply.” And that’s why I think another reason why vision is frustrating to most is because we have not fully identified who we are. Vision always correlates to your identity. Vision, and mans focus on that vision, is what will drive him to be great. And vision, like revelation, will direct and guide man to meet that end. Vision is not just a destination, but it also defines the boundries and parameters a person with vision will live in. A man without vision lives without restraint. (Proverbs 29: 18).

Vision is more than inspirational, vision is the essence of what man is. It is purpose, but it is specific purpose. It is a destination, but it is a specific destination. And with great vision comes great action. It is impossible to have great vision without great energy. Vision is the driving force of humanity. Without it, it is impossible to drive forward, to improve, to subdue, and have dominion. To be fruitful, and multiply.

Vision is synonymous with faith. Hebrews says that faith is the essence of things unseen, and the evidence of things hoped for. Faith is tangible. Faith is the ability to presently possess what only exists in the future. But like vision, faith without action is dead.

But still, even as I think about the subject of vision, the necessity of vision, the price of vision, and the process of vision, I still find more questions than answers. More un-resolved ends, and not enough conclusions.