Vision – Part 3: The Inward Component

Visionary leaders are people who see farther, see more and see before others. But not all visionaries should be followed.

The world has seen its share of diluted visionaries who led the gullible to destruction. Some have fallen victim to evil visionaries driven by ego or something more sadistic. Others have followed charlatan visionaries only to be robbed of wealth or dignity. 

The quality that makes a visionary leader worthy of following is character. I was a freshman in college when I first heard Dr. Jerry Falwell say, “Character is what you are in the dark.” I have pondered that statement many times when I felt the urge to live a life of duplicity.

This is my third and final post on Vision. I began with the Upward Component because our foundation must be God and His Word.  In part two I addressed the Outward Component of motivating others with your vision. I now conclude by examining the Inward Component, “character.”

Numbers 13 and 14, combined with Joshua 14 and 15, gives us a glimpse into the life of the visionary leader Caleb. His dependency on God translated into a keen ability to cast vision and his strong character made him a leader worthy of following. I want to highlight three aspects of this Visionary Leader of Character.

1.  He was a Distinctive Leader: Numbers 14:24 compares him to others and says he had “another spirit;” he just saw things differently.

“The voice, vision and values of God serve to stabilize your soul and galvanize your character.” (Mike Calhoun)

“Be willing to make decisions. That’s the most important quality in a good leader. Don’t fall victim to what I call the ‘ready-aim-aim-aim syndrome.’ You must be willing to fire.” (T. Boone Pickens)

 2.  He was a Determined Leader: Joshua 14:10-12 demonstrates that Caleb had “sustained vision” for over forty-five years.

“A champion is won who gets up when he can’t.” (Jack Dempsey)

“The strength of a man’s virtue should not be measured by his special exertions, but by his habitual acts.” (Blaise Pascal)

3.  He was a Dedicated Leader:  Joshua 15:13-18 reveals a visionary man whose life is “still motivating” others.

“The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in others the conviction and will to carry on.” (Walter Lippman)

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” (Billy Graham)

Visionary leaders have a higher purpose than fame, a bigger vision than today and a deeper calling than self.  Their character is a directly related to their dependency on God and their commitment is fortified by His Word.

Do you know any visionary leaders of character?