by Michael Duduit Getting the Right Perspective on Vision

The great jazz musician Duke Ellington was once asked for a definition of rhythm. He replied, "If you got it, you don't need no definition. And if you don't have it, ain't no definition gonna help."

Vision is a little like that. It's hard to define, but you know it when you've got one. The danger for leaders, however, is to make sure their vision corresponds with God's vision.

In his first letter to the Christians at Corinth, Paul wrote, "Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a 'fool' so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." (1 Cor. 3:18-19)

Perspective is an important thing in understanding vision. Stand in a valley and your vision of a sunset may be underwhelming, but climb to the top of the hill and you'll get an entirely different perspective.

Likewise with the vision you cast as a leader in your business, your organization, your church. Where you stand helps determine the kind of vision you capture.

As a leader, being a visionary isn't an option; it goes with the territory. But we need to test our own visions by the truth of God's Word and by the sound counsel of trusted advisors. What may be a terrific vision for a purely secular organization may not "cut it" from the perspective of a Kingdom-focused organization.

As George Barna explains in his book The Power of Vision, "For Christians in a position of leadership, an entirely different set of values and goals must be embraced from those followed by individuals who have a philosophy not centered on knowing, loving and serving God."

Where you stand helps determine the vision you claim. As a Christian leader, make sure you're standing in the right place.

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Michael Duduit is President/CEO of American Ministry Resources LLC, and editor of LeaderLinks. You can contact him at michael@leaderlinks.com or visit his website at www.michaelduduit.com