Colossians 1:28-29
“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.”
Acts 20:24
“…I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
As we travel this road called “Life” we may face a dilemma about which road to take that would be the one God wills for us. Many today have no idea how to determine which is the right road. Baseball legend Yogi Berra was famous for offering this advice: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Or consider these words oft-quoted by my husband, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will do.” He has shared that statement countless times to impress upon businesses, churches, and ministries the importance of identifying and communicating a clear and concise vision. And these words are no less important for us as individuals.
Defining a clear vision for our lives in the form of a written mission statement is an important step for each of us. Without clearly identifying who we are in Christ, what God has called us to do, where we are going, how to get there, and when we get there, we will be like aimless travelers. When we reach a fork in the road, without a road map or compass, either road will get us somewhere but for what purpose?
The Apostle Paul was a man on a mission, one conferred upon him by the Lord Jesus Himself who said, “… he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel…” Paul knew his mission and stated it in a clear and concise manner using the words in today’s scripture verses. He knew that he had been called by Jesus to spread the gospel, particularly to the non-Jews, and to bring the message of the crucified Messiah, by the Lord’s mighty strength and power, and to complete the task and finish the race.
Referring often to my own mission statement, written over twenty years ago, helps me to stay on course, to steer me on a straight path towards clear goals. Despite major changes brought about by aging, relocating to a new city, and semi-retirement, the mission hasn’t changed. I still know who I am—rather, Whose I am—what He has called and gifted me to do, where I am going and how to get there. The following is the mission statement that has guided my life:
“My mission is to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself through leading, mentoring, equipping, teaching, public speaking, inspirational writing, and offering hospitality in my home with the love of Christ until the Lord calls me home.“
In the coming days, some practical suggestions will be shared on how to go about writing a mission statement. In the meantime, be thinking about the following questions that will help you to identify your mission:
• Who am I in Christ?
• What has God called me to do?
• Where am I going?
• How will I get there?
• When will I know I am there?
Father in heaven, You called us even before we were born and created us for Your own purposes. We ask now that You would help us define the mission for which You have created us so that we may love and serve You to the fullest for the remainder of our time here on earth. It is for Your glory and in Your name we pray, Amen.
