At the turn of the millennium, while I was still farming, the Stellenbosch Business School started a course called: Programme in Wine Management. The idea behind the course was for people who’ve grown into leadership positions but did not necessarily have the qualifications, to learn more about management.

I enjoyed it tremendously, more than any of my other studies, because I was already in the industry and could apply all the knowledge in the vineyards. It added a lot of value for sure.

One of the programmes they taught us was to draw up a business plan. With every new venture I took on, I put together such a plan. Even with the start of Crossroad247 we drew up a complete business plan.

It helps you to formulate exactly who you are, where you’re going, and how you’re going to get there. In everything we do every day, we ask ourselves if it’s in line with our vision — to bring God’s Word into today’s words.

If it is, we’re still on track, but if it’s not, we need to rethink it. If I think I need to supplement my income with a solar business on the side, because it’s such a big need these days, I first test it against Crossroad247’s vision. Certainly, such a business does not fit in with the reason why Crossroad247 exists, even if it can bring in a lot of money.

Every child of God should draw up a business plan. We should also ask who we are, where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there. We have to set a vision for ourselves and make sure that everything we do fits in with that vision.

We all have more or less the same vision. And we get it right here in God’s Word: But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people. It’s actually so simple. What I do and give every day must make God smile.

Then when we do something, it must be good for God. When we do something that doesn’t fit in with this, we have to let it go. It’s a waste of time. My words and deeds must uplift others and then of course it will please God.

Many people live life without a plan. They take every day as it comes and deal with whatever they encounter. That’s most likely the reason why so many people miss true joy and peace along the way.

Humans are made to do what they were created to do. If you miss this goal or vision, you feel empty all the time, but if you do what is pleasing to God, you feel worthwhile because you really make a difference.

Fortunately, Jesus helps us with this. The verse ends with: … God’s instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you. Jesus is the middle man, because many times our words and actions are crooked, but fortunately they reach God via Jesus. He helps us to package them nicely and correctly for God. Thank goodness for that, otherwise our deeds wouldn’t have looked good at all.

Let this motivate us to live out our vision loudly and clearly from now on so that everything we do pleases God.

Scripture
1 Peter 2:4-10

Reflection
What is your vision?
Is your vision aligned with the purpose you were created for?
Where should you get rid of things that don’t fit your vision?

Prayer
Father, I now affirm that my vision is to do things that please You. Show me what I must stop doing and what I should do differently. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.