Vision, Intention, and Means
A compelling vision of life in God’s Kingdom gives rise to intention—and to the practices that make transformation possible.
“Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint.” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV)
I have always appreciated the King James rendering of this verse. It captures something profound. Without vision, people cast off restraint. They live as though what matters is only today—what is immediately in front of them. There is no larger story shaping their decisions.
Dallas Willard described lasting transformation through a simple but powerful framework: VIM—Vision, Intention, and Means.
It begins with Vision. Without a compelling picture of what God intends, we drift. But when we have a vision of what life could be in God’s Kingdom, everything changes. We begin to see the kind of people God is forming us to be, the kind of communities He desires to create, and the hope His Kingdom brings into a broken world. That vision captures our hearts and reshapes our priorities.
Vision then gives birth to Intention. We move beyond merely admiring the vision to making a deliberate decision to pursue it. It becomes more than a passing thought or a good desire; it becomes a commitment.
Finally, there are the Means. This is where transformation becomes practical. Personally, it involves spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Scripture, worship, generosity, and obedience.
Organizationally, it requires disciplines as well—clear priorities, thoughtful planning, accountability, faithful execution, wise stewardship, and consistent evaluation. These are the habits and practices that keep us aligned with God’s calling and move us from aspiration to faithful action.
At Heaven’s Family, our vision is not one we invented. It is the vision God has given us: to love God, love our neighbors, make disciples, and help those disciples love their neighbors well. As we keep that vision before us, pursue it with intention, and faithfully practice the personal and organizational disciplines that make it possible, we become instruments through which God advances His Kingdom.