Release Date: September 30th, 2026A People of Vision
- by Bill Wiebe
“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18
Every pursuit in this life requires two essential elements: vision and passion. Each action or goal, any and all quests, no matter their depth or magnitude – all begin and are fueled by vision and passion.
Waking from a blissful slumber, we are seized by a need for caffeine: here is the vision. We stumble/saunter to the nearest Keurig, undeterred by cold floors and treacherous Lego pieces: here is the passion. It is the two working in tandem that achieves much.
The pattern holds equally true in greater endeavors: excellence in business, sports and the arts, social causes, hobbies, and soft skill sets – all rely on the same primal base. And in matters of religion, the paradigm is palpable – it is a truth so obvious as to be visible even to the blind.
“Pure religion… is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. And to keep yourself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27
Here was a model of religious practice as yet unseen by this world. Where we are more apt to measure success on a scale of personal gain and power, the Scriptures speak here of investing ourselves in the weak and the poor. In our modern vernacular, these folks would be considered a bad investment with little or no return on the time and resources devoted to them.
Our example, embodied in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, is that of the Servant/Leader, who ministers to rich and poor alike, teaching the learned and the ignorant, healing bodies and delivering souls.
“Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in an abundance of counsellors there is victory.” Proverbs 11:14
Vision will often begin with an individual but as it is found to be genuine and beneficial and rooted in the Holy Spirit’s urging, it will ultimately be affirmed by others. Similarly, the passion of a single person is commendable, yet it pales in the shadow of the potential of a united collective.
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are appointed by God.” Romans 13:1
We have a sad tradition of criticizing our leaders. Even the best of men and women eventually fall out of grace to some degree. Tough times tend to reveal our true character as it’s easy to be positive in the good times and difficult when things go bad.
As God’s people we must be better than our circumstances; we must resist being drawn into empty, destructive spirals of conflict and contempt.
“I urge then, first of all.. that petitions and prayers… be made for kings and all those in authority, that they may live peaceful and quiet lives.” I Timothy 2:1-2
Prayer is the great comfort to those in need and those who render it unto God. It is the wondrous language of the thankful and the strong song of the victorious. We will never be greater than our prayer life. The depth of our relationship with God will determine the height of our character.
“Unto whom much has been given, much will be required…” Luke 12:48
“With great power comes great responsibility.” Thus spoke our friend Stan Lee, August of ’62, as narrator in the debut of Spider Man. It is an anthem that still rings true today; a hard truth in an otherwise soft life; a harbinger gently imparting the missive that the blessing of one is forever joined to the sacrifice of another.
“No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13
- Bill Wiebe is pastor at Erie View Mennonite Church