This is perhaps one of the most misquoted verses among leaders! It has traditionally been translated, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” That seems perfectly fine to most leaders. Leaders are all about developing a vision for their organization, then ‘selling’ their vision and encouraging their people to ‘buy in’ to it. Those who don’t support the leader’s vision are eventually ushered out the door for not supporting the leader.
But that is not what this verse is saying. It claims that without revelation, the people have no sense of direction. People can drum up a vision. They must receive a revelation. Revelation occurs when God discloses what His agenda is. Without a word from God, people do what is right in their own eyes. The key to spiritual leadership is receiving a word from God.
Some leaders are so busy developing their own goals and objectives and constructing their next Power Point presentation that they have scant time to hear what God is saying. Unfortunately, God is not obligated to make our plans succeed, regardless of how noble their aim may be. God is unimpressed when we initiate efforts in His name. God is concerned with achieving His purposes, His way.
Have you received a fresh revelation of God’s will lately? Have you been listening?