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During Auxano’s co::Lab, vision coach Will Mancini has been showing us how to develop a “Vision Pathway that leads to a lifestyle of visionary leadership.” By definition, a lifestyle affects relationships, actions and how things get done. That makes the source of vision, from which the lifestyle gets its meaning, very important.

Here are three truths about the source of vision that empowers leaders for visionary leadership:

Principle #1: All true vision comes from God. “Then the Lord said to me,’Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.’” (Habakkuk 2:2) Almighty God is the source of all true vision. He wants to reveal His plan for our churches, our ministries and our lives. Not only that, His message is to be assembled in such a way that it can be clearly articulated to others. There is to be no mistake about where the vision came from.

That leads to the second principle, so important for the leader that loves enabling others to get a clear picture of what could and should be in their churches and organizations.

Principle #2: God alone enables us to see His vision. “I could not do anything of my own accord.” (Numbers 24:13) Self centeredness defeats clarity when seeking God’s vision. Leaders must subordinate every desire, every dream, every whim in order for the Lord’s vision to breakthrough. Staying spiritually fit will keep us out of mental fog. Staying humble will enable the Spirit to confirm that the plan is from the Lord and not one of our own making.

Knowing what to do with God’s plan when He’s enabled us see to see it leads to the third principle.

Principle #3: The ability to think about or plan toward God’s future takes His wisdom. “I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” (Proverbs 4:11) God told Solomon that he could ask for anything and it would be given to him. Solomon asked for wisdom. That may be the number one prayer request of leaders today. God give us wisdom to _____. Only the Creator of the universe can give us a mental image followed by an understanding of the pathway toward the splendid future He has planned.

It might seem obvious for a Christian leader to state that God is the source of all true vision for a lifestyle of visionary leadership. After all, He is also the author of the true values and principles that support every area of life.

What’s not always so clear, is identifying the enemies that can cloud our ability to see God’s grand picture. Entrepreneurial leaders are constantly coming up with the new: new ideas, new ways of doing things, new directions, new avenues of growth. The new may be good, but it may not always be best. A personal example.

When our good plan can be the enemy of God’s best plan

In 1991 we joined a church that had suffered from decades of unresolved conflict before we arrived. The pastor eventually resigned. The search for a new pastor lasted six years. Factions formed. There was a breakdown in leadership, morale and spiritual order.

After many months of prayer and counsel, we too decided it was time to leave. We believed the Lord had given us a new direction. We joined in what He was doing through a church plant in a neighboring town. (Notice use of the right vision language here.)

We were convinced that becoming a part of this new church was the Lord’s plan. A short while later we experienced an uneasiness over our decision. God revealed His “true vision.”

“Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.” (1 John 2:10)

Now, because we were humbled, the Lord opened our eyes and hearts to His truth. We had been tired of the conflict in our previous church. We had become extremely frustrated and wanted out. The new mission had to be God’s answer, right?

It was a good mission. It just wasn’t God best plan for us.

The One who calls is faithful

His vision all along had been for us to stay in the church. We knew that He had called us to be there. His plan in this situation was teach us how to be more loving and compassionate. Not how to escape from difficult circumstances.

We returned and restored our fellowship.

Living a lifestyle of visionary leadership takes trusting God completely; getting our desires out of the way; and allowing God to make His vision and plans clear. Then, “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.”

Question: What do you find is the biggest obstacle to living a lifestyle of visionary leadership?