Vision Matters

​America.
Land of the free and the home of the brave. Someone put it this way “Land of the free because of the brave.” I like that.
I love and honor my country. I am a respectful, law-abiding patriot like many of you. I proudly served in the military and am wholeheartedly committed to defending our Constitution and the freedoms that Americans hold dear.
 But like many of my fellows Americans, my spirit is grieved, my heart is broken and my mind is troubled over the state of our beloved nation. I am gravely concerned about the direction of our republic. The United States of today is not the United States of America I grew up in.
Maybe you are like me, asking the question: What is the problem with America, and most importantly, what is the solution to our nation’s problem? I have often pondered this question in light of our country’s current wayward, downward course.   
It seems like anyone and everyone is eager to espouse what they think is wrong with America.  Search social media to validate my observation. Politicians and political pundits, religious leaders, talking head journalists, academic professors, idealistic students, radical reformers, protestors, social watchdogs, social media junkies and you-name-it proclaim their vaunted opinion as to what they think should happen to right America’s sinking ship. 
 But few, if any, can pinpoint the real problem, let alone write a prescription for the healing of our land.
In the midst of breaking bad news happening across our country daily, I have good news! Good news that will encourage you and me, inspiring hope for better days in America. 
Through Solomon, the wisdom writer in the Bible, God, our Creator and Redeemer, is crystal clear about our problem and its solution.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but happy is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a sequestered monk in a monastery to understand this simple, life-transforming truth. Vision means to see, the act or power of seeing, sight.  What we see is who we will be. 
Solomon says men and women will be happy when they keep the law. Whose law? God’s law! You and I are happiest and most fulfilled when we have a vision for living life the way our Creator sees it. God’s way is best for us and is the basis for His blessing our lives.
On the flipside, no vision (no sight or view of God’s way to live life) results in perishing. The word perish also means unrestrained, out of control. Does that sound like America today?
Without vision people perish; with vision people prosper.
Perishing looks like this: Disunity. Division. Disrespect. Indecency. Immorality. Disobedience. Disorder. Defiance. Contention. Strife. Rebellion. Corruption. Lying. Prejudice. Discrimination. Accusation. Insecurity. Tear down. Fear. Hatred. Violence. Chaos. Anarchy.
Prosperity looks like this: Unity. Togetherness. Cooperation. Respect. Dignity. Deference. Obedience. Morality. Decency. Order. Safety. Security. Build up. Acceptance. Tolerance. Faith. Peace. Love. Happiness. Joy. Purpose.
I don’t know about you, but I vote for happiness and prosperity. Perishing, lack of restraint, out of control living is not on my list of life objectives!
America’s problem: No vision. America’s solution: Get God’s vision.
God, who loves us and sent His only Son Jesus to redeem us from sin (Ephesians 1:3-8). Sin boils down to an arrogant, self-absorbed, godless, visionless lifestyle. God has a purpose and plan for our personal lives, our marriages and family life, our nation, our careers, our churches, our ministries and for the world.
America is perishing because we as a people have turned away from God’s vision for our lives.
Many Americans are willfully rejecting the Lord and His holy Word. People across our country are unrestrained, out of control, seeking to impose their will on others instead of lining up with God’s good, acceptable and perfect will for all of us.(see Romans 12:1-2).
Spiritually, morally, emotionally, mentally, physically, relationally and financially we are perishing. Imploding. Lack of vision of God’s purpose for our lives is hurling us down the slippery slope of self-destruction.
VISION MATTERS.  
People pontificate that they have a vision for America. My question is “What is the source of your vision for our nation?” I suggest we look to God for His vision for our country.
”Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:11. “
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to a people.” Proverbs 14:24
Biblical vision is about doing what is right in God’s sight, not what we think is right in our sight. How do we discover God’s vision? Humble ourselves and study the Bible. God’s vision is laid out for us in the sacred pages of scripture. God’s vision for our lives matters for us, our children and our grandchildren.
Do you have God’s vision for your personal life? Your family? Your career? Your ministry? Your church? Your nation? The world of men and women for whom Christ died?
 What we believe is how we behave. Our character determines our conduct. Being who God designed us to be (vision) will make us good citizens who can turn the United States around before it is too late.
Prosper or perish as a nation is up to you, me and everyone who loves America.
Oh gracious and merciful heavenly Father, may Americans recapture a vision to glorify You and make the best life possible for every one of our citizens. Amen.  
A Word For Your Week: Restoration of a nation begins with vision.