“[Quoting Bonhoeffer in Life Together] God hates visionary dreaming; it makes the dreamer proud and pretentious. The man who fashions a visionary ideal of community demands that it be realized by God, by others, and by himself. He enters the community of Christians with his demands, sets up his own law, and judges the brethren and God Himself accordingly. He stands adamant, a living reproach to all others in the circle of brethren.” (Brian J. Dodd. Empowered Church Leadership. Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003, p. 165)
A leadership focus on vision can end up making an idol of it. We aren’t to be a vision-centered community, but a God-centered community. Sounds simple, but it requires a lot more humility than most of us leaders have. Is my vision one of something I’ll do for God, or is it a vision of God Himself He’s inviting me to share with others? There is a difference. Focusing on a purpose or a vision can easily become a subtle diversion from sincere and pure devotion to Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 11:3).
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I’d have to disagree – I think God loves visionary dreamers. He works through dreams and visions. What He hates is when one person tries to impose or force their vision on another person, not allowing the other to dream.
I think your disagreement is in agreement with the spirit of Bonhoeffer’s concern. Good to hear from you…