The vision of Steve Jobs
I heard the news that Steve Jobs passed away yesterday and I started to think. I thought about the impact that one human can have on the world. Chances are, the phone in your pocket, your computer at home, how you got the music you are listening to, and the movies that your children watch or will watch have all been affected by how Steve Jobs saw things. What does that say about vision and leadership?
The Bible is clear in Proverbs 29:18 that “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” But what if the people have vision? I’m aware that Steve was not a Christian, however his vision in the field that he was an expert in was unsurpassed. What he saw as “possible” in the world of technology pushed everyone forward. If we perish without vision, then we certainly prosper with it.
In the world of technology, Steve had vision and leadership. Except it didn’t end there. Because of the way he cast vision in technology we all benefitted. Just last night I video chatted from my phone to my parents. I can’t remember the last time I read my printed Bible, because I have over 40 different translations in my pocket. I’m able to study material, take notes, cross reference, and teach from one small device (without paper). I have the ability to take my Bible, an entire library of study material, and an open connection to my students, anywhere I go. The vision and leadership that Steve had in his sphere of influence is making me a better pastor.
While I never met Steve, I have the utmost respect for what he could see that the rest of us could not…which poses an interesting question.
If a non-believer can influence so much change through personal vision, what kind of change can I influence through Godly vision?
