For young people, perhaps no word stirs the heart more deeply than vision. Typically, when we think of vision, we connect it to what we are meant to do in the future—God’s plans for our lives, especially in relation to our careers or life path. And indeed, because God has adopted us as His beloved sons and daughters, He surely holds an extraordinary plan for each of our lives—without exception.
However, vision is something that God accomplishes with us and through us. Therefore, without a proper relationship with Him, true vision cannot be realized. This is because vision is not about becoming famous or successful in the world—it is about bringing God’s kingdom to earth. Unless we genuinely love God, we cannot willingly obey His call. And because the scale of this vision is so vast that it can only be fulfilled through God’s power and wisdom, it will appear impossible without trust in Him, leading us to give up before even trying. Vision always flows from relationship, and then into calling.
Another important truth about vision is this: while ministries and missions may vary in form, their essence is always centred on loving people. If you think deeply about the work of God’s kingdom, it is this: God’s own Son became human like us and died on the cross to save us. If we cannot love people, we cannot truly live for the vision of God’s kingdom. No matter how talented, skilled, or gifted we may be, we cannot fulfil God’s vision on our own. We may contribute in part, but we will never be the one to lead or complete His work.
I, too, have a vision that God has given me. When I consider its scope, it’s as vast as completing global missions. But if I cannot love people, it becomes nothing more than an inspiring slogan. It becomes just another project where many gather, complete a task, and move on—nothing more than an event wrapped in grace and good intentions.
God’s vision, His calling, is to love people. And those we are called to love are not distant individuals with whom we maintain comfortable boundaries. Such people can be helped once and forgotten. The ones we are truly called to love are those we encounter every single day: the person in front of us right now—our parents, our spouses, our children, the members of our congregation. As many know from experience, this is profoundly difficult. To be honest, it is impossible in our own strength.
Yet to love such difficult people, with perseverance and commitment, is the greatest power in the world. If we become worshipful people who draw near to God continually and allow Him to shape us through the trials of daily life, then we can grow in this love. This love did not originally exist in us—but when we chose to believe in Jesus, it was implanted in us. As we walk with Him, that love begins to grow. That is why love is called a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Serving is easy. Loving people is not—it’s so difficult that it feels impossible. But still, I deeply want to become someone who can truly love.
