“It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.”
– Helen Keller
It is the 2016 NCAA National Championship game between Villanova and the North Carolina. Both teams have just completed their final warm ups and are back in the locker room getting final instructions from their coaches. The adrenalin is flowing as both teams have been hoping for this opportunity for nearly 6 months. Through a lot of hard work, some good breaks, and due to great talent on both teams the night has finally come. Both teams go charging out on to the court hearing the loud cheers of their devoted fans.
What an amazing experience for each of these young men. One they will never forget for the rest of their lives. The teams go to their respective benches and the starting 5 players from each team come to center court. The time has come for the game of their lives to begin. The starting players meet at the center of the court and shake hands. The official is ready to begin the game with the jump ball.
But…wait a minute. There’s a problem. Both teams look to the end of the court where they are expecting to see their basket – their goal. But while the teams were in the locker rooms, the goals were removed. Now what?
Why vision matters
If the official had begun the game, what would have happened? A lot of dribbling maybe, some passes probably, but no baskets could be made because there were no goals. You say, “What a ridiculous illustration.” I agree. But here’s the point – This is how most people are living their lives. Dribbling and passing the ball around without any goals. The clock is running yet there is no scoring. Without goals – i.e. vision – there is no way to measure progress.
Give me vision
You may have great ability, an incredible intelligence, fierce commitment, contagious enthusiasm, dogged determination, or other strong character traits but these are powerless if not focused toward a desired outcome. The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained (out of control)” (Proverbs 29:18, NAS). In essence, a vision brings purpose to a person’s strong, God-given character traits. Ask the Lord what His vision is for your life and then go after it with all your heart. Consider listening to the lyrics of this song to help guide your prayers.
