Where there is no vision, the people perish. This powerful truth from Proverbs 29:18 reminds us that without clear direction, we tend to cast off restraint and simply do whatever we want. Vision gives us purpose, clarity, and direction. Without it, we drift aimlessly, wondering why we're here and what we're doing.

What Happens When a Church Lacks Vision?

Vision is not merely what a pastor dreams—it's what the people actually do. It's seen in our decisions, our ministries, and how we live our daily lives. Think of vision like a GPS system. Without a destination programmed in, the GPS can tell you where you are but not where to go. The directions would be random, and you'd never really get anywhere.

This is exactly what happens in churches without vision:

The Danger of Becoming Consumers Instead of Contributors

Without vision, we risk becoming consumers rather than contributors. We show up expecting to be served rather than to serve. We become critical when things aren't done exactly as we expect, forgetting that church isn't about our preferences but about God's purposes.

A church without vision becomes a building full of habits instead of people on mission. We go through motions, check boxes, and leave feeling good about ourselves without truly engaging in God's work.

What Does Jesus Say About the Cost of Discipleship?

In Luke 14:25-27, Jesus makes some shocking statements about what it means to follow Him. He says anyone who comes to Him must "hate" their father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even their own life to be His disciple. He adds that whoever doesn't bear their own cross cannot be His disciple.

Was Jesus really telling us to hate our families? No—He was intentionally thinning out the crowd with His teaching to ensure people were following Him for the right reasons. He wanted them to count the cost of discipleship.

Jesus was saying that following Him requires reprioritizing everything in your life. He must come first. This isn't about convenience; it's about commitment.

How Do I Embrace God's Vision for My Life?

To embrace God's vision requires self-evaluation. Are there things in your life you need to let go of to fully embrace what God wants? We often try to carry too many things at once, refusing to release what's holding us back.

Ask yourself: What am I willing to give up to follow Jesus? If there are things you're reluctant to surrender, remember that if you take a step of faith, He will help you release whatever you're holding onto.

What Is God's Heart for the Lost?

In Luke 15:1-10, Jesus shifts to parables about a lost sheep and a lost coin. He asks what person, having 100 sheep and losing one, wouldn't leave the 99 to find the one that's lost? Similarly, what woman with 10 silver coins wouldn't search diligently for one missing coin?

Jesus told these parables in response to criticism about Him spending time with tax collectors and sinners. His message was clear: "I'm hanging out with them because I'm looking for my lost sheep."

God's vision for the church is for the sake of one. What we do as a church isn't for the masses—it's for the individual who is away from God. If the church isn't chasing after the lost, we've lost the heart of God.

Who Is Your One?

Who is the one person you're praying for, pursuing, and inviting to know Christ? Your "one" might be:

If our hearts don't break for the lost, we're not living God's vision.

Why Should We Celebrate When the Lost Are Found?

Luke 15:8-10 describes the celebration that happens when something lost is found. Jesus says, "There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Each of us has a story of redemption, faith, and grace. Are you sharing your story? Someone needs to hear it because they're walking the road you've walked. God has led you through experiences so you can lead others through similar situations.

Our churches must be places where:

Life Application

God's vision for the church isn't survival—it's salvation for our communities. As we consider how to live out this vision, ask yourself these questions:

This week, identify your "one" person who needs Christ. Begin praying specifically for them, look for opportunities to share your faith story, and invite them to experience the community of believers. Remember, heaven celebrates when even one lost person is found. Let's be a church that rings the bells of heaven because another one has found their way home.