Developing a Kingdom Vision
I would argue that most of the world lacks an overarching purpose for their lives. But as believers, we know that we were created for a purpose. Eph 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” He desires for us to glorify him in all we do: I Cor 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
God has given each of us unique passions, gifts, and interests. A Kingdom vision encompasses all of these things, providing our lives with a clear, God-focused purpose. What would that look like?
Let’s say your Kingdom vision is to impact young leaders for the Kingdom. As you go to work, you will begin praying specifically about young leaders in your company. You will seek opportunities to share Christ with them, and to serve them. You may start a Bible study at your company for young leaders. Or gather other believers in your company to pray for young leaders. You may seek out young leaders in your church who you can begin to mentor. You may invite other young leaders to join you at conferences, or even a missions trip, so that you can help them grow in their faith and vision. You may regularly have young leaders in your home for meals. You will invest in ministries that reach and develop young leaders like Arrow Leadership, or the campus ministry with Power to Change. You may seek opportunities to scholarship African or Latin American young leaders to training conferences, or provide them with resources to help them grow in Kingdom leadership. Your Kingdom vision will drive the investment of your time, talent and treasures.
Here are a few questions to consider when thinking about a Kingdom vision.
What am I passionate about?
Where am I particularly gifted or skilled? Management? Organization? Encouragement? Generosity? Strategic planning? Sales?
How can those skills be leveraged to accomplish your Kingdom vision?
What problems do I want to solve or issues do I want to see improved? Global hunger? Homelessness in Canada? Weak leadership in the church? Marriages? Youth?
What areas of the world would I like to have an impact on? Unreached people? Asia or Africa? Muslims? Indigenous community? Marketplace leaders?
Where does your money easily flow regarding Kingdom issues (this will reveal passions of your heart).
100 years from now, when we are all together in heaven, what would you love to say that God was able to accomplish through you?
Take some time to jot down some ideas about what your Kingdom vision might be. And don’t forget to include God in the equation – dream big!!