‘Where there is no vision, the people perish…’ It’s a famous proverb, often quoted in business texts and church growth books. Even Kevin Rudd has quoted it recently. But when it was originally written some 3000 years ago, the sage responsible for these words wasn’t talking about having an entrepreneurial vision, some grand business plan or strategy - as is often suggested. A more contemporary rendering puts it this way: ‘Where there is ignorance of God, the people run wild…’ (Proverbs 29:18, Living Bible). When we lose a vision of God—an understanding of his character—we lose our grip on life. We lose perspective, boundaries, and we begin to disintegrate.

A few weeks ago I started writing a book about God’s character. The research has taken a couple of years (and I’m still not finished!). This proverb has become pivotal to my findings. Throughout history, individuals, societies, and even whole nations have risen and fallen on this simple truth that where there is no vision of God people perish.

You see it clearly in the Old Testament, which is an historical record of Israel. When Israel walked with God things went well. When they lost sight of him they fell apart. There’s a poignant description of this in the book of Hosea. Israel has lost a vision of God and as result the prophets are corrupt, the judges are corrupt, and lying, stealing, cheating and murder have fallen on the nation. It even says (I quote): ‘the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying’. There are even environmental ramifications to losing a vision of God. (See Hosea chapter 4 for more.)

This week I put book writing aside to start work on next year’s Compassion Day—when Australia’s Christian radio stations will join forces to release children from poverty. The event will focus on Haiti, in Latin American. As I did my research I found the truth of that proverb again ringing in my ears.

Haiti is ranked as the most impoverished country in the western hemisphere, and is considered one of the most corrupt countries in the world with a history of slavery and tyrannical leaders. Unemployment hovers around 70 per cent. Two out of three Haitians live below the poverty line. Basic amenities have been neglected and years of exploitation have left just 3 per cent of Haiti’s forests standing: causing desertification and flooding.

75 per cent of Haiti’s population are children. One in 14 never reaches their first birthday; another 1 in 5 wont reach the age of 4. Only 55 per cent of primary-aged children go to school; only 2 per cent finish high school. Thousands of street children join gangs to survive. Many fall prey to trafficking and prostitution.

You see, whether it’s ancient Israel or modern-day Haiti, the pattern remains:

• Where there is no vision of God leaders become corrupt, because they forget that they will one day face judgement.
• Where there is no vision of God children are exploited, because we lose a sense of God’s love for all humanity—especially the vulnerable.
• And where there is no vision of God natural resources are abused, because we forget that the earth isn’t ours—it’s God’s, given into our care, for the sake of the next generation.

On Compassion Day 2008, we will declare a new day for Haiti’s children. I can’t wait. But let’s not lose this important truth: where there is no vision of God, people perish.

It begs the question—how big is your vision of God?

© 2007 Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker, broadcaster and author of Unseen Footprints: Encountering the divine along the journey of life (Scripture Union, 2005). www.thethoughtfactory.net