When Vision is Not Enough

Now as you excel in everything–faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us–excel also in this grace. I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, for your sake, He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:7-9 HCSB)

Leaders who view discipleship through the lens of the gospel apply the gospel to finances by constantly reminding people of God’s great generosity.

He who was rich became poor to make us rich eternally. When the “per capita” giving drops in a church, these leaders are more concerned with the lack of gospel internalization in their people than the budget implications.

In fostering generosity, vision must not be all that is preached. I am not anti-vision. I believe wise leaders connect vision to generosity. I just don’t want to build a group of people who are vision junkies but devoid of obedience connected to the grace received in Christ.