One of the greatest needs of every generation is to have leaders with vision. An even greater need is to have mature leaders who can help younger leaders catch God’s vision for their life.
Buried in a list of men who joined David’s army are these guys: “men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do …” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need men and women of Issachar who understand the times and seek God’s direction.
As we work with younger leaders, it’s important to see the need to have a vision that is larger than life. This is not some pie-in-the-sky, Pollyanna wish for things that will never come true. A God-given vision is one that understand the current realities and sees a God-enabled future.
We need to catch emerging leaders at the intersections of life when they are making decisions that will continue to unfold consequences for years to come. With a God-inspired vision, perhaps they’ll choose a different college or set their sights on different type of job. Maybe they’ll connect the dots between being a lawyer or accountant or graphic designer and the ability to do good for the Kingdom of God. When the wind of God gets behind them, it might be the difference between settling in for the mundane or having a dream of new possibilities.
How many young men and women squander the advantages of youth (energy, creativity, idealism) because they lack a vision that is compelling enough to move them to action?
As an older, more mature leader, you have the opportunity to do something about that.