Vision Problems

 

When we talk about “vision,” we usually are talking about looking to the future. We speak of dreams and goals and what will be when we have achieved our passions. But there is another type of vision that is as important, if not more, than looking ahead, and that is the vision of looking at what is around you.

A problem many success-minded people have is to be so future-focused that we miss today. We see people and things as they seem in the moment and not by the potential they possess. It is the old “not seeing the forest for the trees” syndrome. Because of this, we miss some of the things that would bring our goals closer. We also miss the potential that is in people that we could encourage, mentor, and help along the way.

“It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.”

Helen Keller

1880-1968

Author

 

Let me give you an example. J. Oswald Sanders, the author of the book Spiritual Leadership, tells this story. “The Pharisees looked at Peter and saw only an unschooled fisherman – not worth a second look.  Jesus saw Peter as a prophet and preacher, saint, and leader who helped turn the world upside down.” Was Peter different when he was with the Pharisees than he was when he was with Jesus? No, I do not believe he was. The difference was not in Peter; it was from the perspective of those who saw him.

Have you been with people and just seen what they appear to be? Have you seen a man or woman who had little going for them, not much to offer, and “not worth a second look”? Maybe you should look again with the vision of Jesus. You may see the potential there that you never saw before. Remember, Peter was Peter. What Jesus saw was always there. He was created for this. The potential in others is still there; you need to see it.

The person you overlook or see as nothing special may be the very person God will use to change everything. They may be the one to find a cure for cancer or to lead a nation to freedom. You never know what people are capable of until the moment God brings it out. Success-minded people must always be on the lookout for those who have great potential. It is up to us to bring that to the surface and help them develop into the people God created them to be.

Before you get lost in the future, look around your present. See what God has placed before you now that you can help bring into fulfillment. You may be surprised by what you will find.

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.