“Where there is no vision, the people perish….”
– Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version)

Great leaders have always been admired. We find them in every walk of life. Books fill the shelves of those who aspire to become great leaders and seminars are overflowing with men and women who are eager to learn leadership skills. Great leaders in the arena of sports abound. Over the years, names like Bobby Bowden, Pat Summit, Tony Dungy and Mike Krzyzewski have become synonymous with leadership and great teams. However, there’s one leader people still talk about and study thirty one years after his death. The memory of Paul W. “Bear” Bryant is still going strong. For nearly forty years, Coach Bryant produced winners. One of the key ingredients to Coach Bryant’s leadership philosophy was vision. He saw the future before it arrived. His vision not only involved the Xs and Os of football, but academics, life skills and public relations. Few people know that over 700 children of Bryant players have received an education at the University of Alabama through the Bryant Scholarship. Now that’s VISION.

The Bible is also filled with examples of great leaders. Jesus, Moses and David are three that quickly come to mind. Each of these leaders had vision and the ability to keep the “big picture” front and center. I believe Jesus, Moses and David had a common vision: to know God and to make Him known. Their lives were totally focused on this objective. I also believe this is a worthy vision for each of us. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the things we’re doing for God. God’s vision is simple, He wants to know us and for us to know Him. With that part of God’s plan is in place, He wants us to share the concept with others. God is constantly recruiting leaders with vision. Is He calling you? Are you willing to make God part of your vision?

Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God of vision. May my vision always be in concert with yours. Amen.