Vision Boards and Christianity: What You Should Know

In recent years, the practice of creating vision boards has gained popularity as a tool for setting personal goals, manifesting dreams, and visualizing success. A vision board is typically a collage of images, phrases, and items that represent a person's aspirations and desires. As this trend continues to weave into the fabric of personal development and motivational strategies, it raises certain questions and considerations for Christians. How does the concept of a vision board fit within the Christian faith? Is it appropriate for Christians to use vision boards, and if so, how should they be approached?

Understanding Vision Boards

A vision board, also known as a dream board, is essentially a physical representation of one's goals and dreams. It serves as a visual reminder of what one hopes to achieve, encompassing various aspects of life such as career, relationships, health, spirituality, and personal growth. The idea is that by seeing these goals daily, one becomes more motivated to take the necessary steps to achieve them, and more attuned to the opportunities that might help realize them.

The Basis of Vision Boards: The Law of Attraction

At the core of vision boarding is the principle known as the Law of Attraction, which suggests that humans attract into their lives what they focus on. Positive thoughts are believed to attract positive outcomes, and negative thoughts, negative outcomes. This principle is often highlighted in New Age and self-help circles, famously popularized by the book and film "The Secret."

Vision Boards in the Christian Context

For Christians, the idea of aligning one's life with a series of images on a board can seem at odds with the theological beliefs and practices taught by Scripture. Christianity teaches that believers should trust in God's plan for their lives, seeking His will above their own desires. The concept of manifesting one's destiny can appear to conflict with the submission to divine providence that is encouraged in Christian doctrine.

Biblical Perspectives on Goal Setting and Visualization

However, the Bible does not discourage planning or setting goals but emphasizes doing so within the context of seeking God’s will. Proverbs 16:3 advises, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Similarly, Habakkuk 2:2 suggests writing down visions: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”

From this perspective, a vision board could be seen as a tool for organizing thoughts and ambitions in a way that aligns with one’s faith. The key difference for Christians using vision boards would be the focus on ensuring that these ambitions are in harmony with God’s commandments and guidance.

Integrating Faith into Vision Boards

For Christians interested in creating a vision board, incorporating elements of their faith can be a meaningful way to remain grounded in their beliefs. This might include:

Scriptural Affirmations: Adding Bible verses that align with personal goals and serve as reminders of God’s promises and faithfulness.
Prayer Requests: Using the board as a space to visually represent ongoing prayers and desires that have been surrendered to God.
Spiritual Goals: Including aspirations that pertain to spiritual growth, such as deeper Bible study, mission work, or improving one’s Christian walk.

Ethical and Theological Considerations

While adapting vision boards to include Christian values and scripture, it is also crucial to maintain a posture of humility and submission to God's sovereignty. A vision board should not be about demanding or manipulating outcomes but rather about setting intentions that are open to God’s adjustments and timing.

The Risk of Materialism

One of the criticisms of vision boards in the Christian context is that they can sometimes focus heavily on material success and personal achievement, potentially nurturing a form of idolatry or materialism. Christians using vision boards should carefully consider the motivations behind their goals and ensure they do not overshadow spiritual contentment and reliance on God.

Practical Steps for Creating a Christian Vision Board

Prayer and Reflection: Begin with prayer, seeking guidance on what God wants for your life. Reflect on your current spiritual journey and areas you feel led to focus on.
Gathering Materials: Collect images, quotes, and scriptures that inspire and reflect the goals aligned with your faith and God’s will.
Arrangement and Assembly: As you assemble your board, continue to pray and reflect, ensuring that each element reflects a goal or value that is not only desired but prayed over.
Placement and Use: Place your vision board somewhere you will see it often and use it as a prompt not just for personal motivation but for ongoing prayer and reflection.

Conclusion

For Christians, vision boards can be more than just a tool for self-improvement; they can serve as a visual prayer journal, a dynamic reminder of God’s promises, and a guide for living a life that seeks to align more closely with God’s word. By carefully considering the content and the heart behind a vision board, Christians can utilize this tool in a way that supports their faith and deepens their relationship with God. In doing so, they can ensure that their aspirations for the future do not detach from their spiritual moorings but are instead deeply rooted in the eternal wisdom of their faith.