A Japanese proverb states, "Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare." Perhaps the writer of this proverb read a Proverb of Solomon:

"Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained" (Proverbs 29:18)

Vision is monumentally important. When the vision captures our highest hopes and dreams there is no limit to the energy and commitment that will be made to see the vision become reality. Without vision, initiative and resources are squandered through pointless pursuits.

I am captivated by the vision of the first-century church. They embodied the prophecy of Joel, pronounced by Peter on the day of Pentecost:

"'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND ; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS" (Acts 2:17)

Their dream and vision was to declare the good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ and to be a living demonstration of the coming kingdom through personal and corporate lifestyle. There is no greater vision than this. Through this magnificent vision they turned their world upside down, or, in reality, right side up.

The world may take little note of what we say, but a living demonstration of the reality of that message will be hard to ignore. The people of God living as though the kingdom has already come is a compelling witness.

I believe in the Church, the body of Christ. When it is characterized by loving unity, unconditional love, generous affirmation, and resolute commitment to truth, it is a living demonstration of the coming kingdom. When the local church, whether a home Bible study group or multi-ministry congregation, embraces a kingdom vision such as did the church in Acts, energy and vitality result.

May this vision be your vision and the vision of your church fellowship.

Steve