by Sherelyn Mayberry
The wise man said, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law” (Prov. 29:18). Knowledge of how to live comes from divine revelation. Let us, therefore, faithfully follow the word of God.
In the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” (PHSS #318), we acknowledge our need to look to the Lord as our vision, as we maneuver the pathway of life. Where there is no vision, we are unrestrained, not knowing where we should go, but happy is the one who keeps the law of the Lord (Prov. 29:18). Formerly partaking in darkness, we are transformed through obedience to walk as children of Light. Having the Lord as our vision, we believe in the Light, and choose to become sons of Light (John 12:36). Paul obeyed the heavenly vision on the road to Damascus. He shared what he learned, so others then repented, turned from darkness to light, and performed deeds appropriate to repentance (Acts 26:19-20). Jesus shone in Paul’s heart, giving knowledge of the glory of God to the Jews and Gentiles whom he led to the Lord (2 Cor. 4:6). We, like Paul, can heed the heavenly calling and bring forth fruits of repentance in our daily walk. So, turn to the true vision. The fruit of this Light is all goodness, righteousness, and truth—and as we walk in it, the Lord is well pleased (Eph. 5:8-10).
The wisdom of Christ is reflected in our lives as the word of God dwells in our heart. True wisdom comes from words spoken by the Lord, not from lying words uttered by false teachers (Ezek. 13:7-8). The prophet Joel foreshadowed that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all humanity (Joel 2:28). On the day of Pentecost, the inspired apostle Peter declared that this prophecy had been fulfilled (Acts 2:17-21). After being baptized in the Holy Spirit, the apostles were divinely guided to reveal and record the truth of the gospel (John 14:26; 16:13). As the word given by the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts, we evidenced proven character and hope through many trials (Rom 5:3-5). We, like the apostles, can be one with the Lord, as we walk with Him, following the true vision. As we heed His calling, walking in humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance for one another in love, we are united through the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-6).
The Lord on High gives stability, not with earthly riches, but through the wealth He offers of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is his treasure (Isa. 33:5-6). A futile vision of man’s devices, such as man’s empty praise, is not from God, but it is from man’s imagination (Jer. 23:16). It will lead to calamity. Also, false vision does not expose iniquity to lead the captive in sin back to the Lord (Lam. 2:14). Do not seek it. We must take this treasure, our inheritance, and place it first in our hearts, in earthen vessels, to give God the glory (2 Cor. 4:7). Where your treasure is, there is your heart also (Matt. 6:21; Luke 12:34). So, make yourselves money belts that do not wear out, holding unfailing treasure in heaven, where thieves cannot break through and steal (Matt. 6:20; Luke 12:33). “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).
If we live faithfully, looking to our vision, our victory is won through Him. Our toil is not in vain as we remain steadfast, no matter what trials come our way (1 Cor. 15:57-58). Being born of God, we overcome the world through our faith and belief that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4-5). Though persecution comes through Jesus’s death, we have hope. Pursue it. Our faith leads us to believe that we will be raised to live with the Lord for eternity (2 Cor. 4:8-14). Even when persecution comes, we can be glad and leap for joy, because our reward is great in heaven (Luke 6:22-23)! Singing the song of Moses, we who are victorious in Christ will praise Him there, glorifying our vision, the righteous King of the nations (Rev. 15:1-4).
