Every corporation is built around a mission statement. These statements are proudly displayed in their office and on their website. The mission statement answers the question, “Why do we exist?” It gets all the employees on the same page, working toward one goal. It’s both clarifying and motivating. But does this concept work in our personal lives? The answer is, “Yes!” We should all think about our mission, the reason why we exist and what we hope to offer the world.
Principle Three: Be on Mission
God has already written our main mission statement as Christians but many of us tend to forget it. We get distracted by the “little missions” of life. We might view our mission to be the most fit person in the neighborhood or the wealthiest in our family. Though these temporary missions have some value, they don’t make an impact for eternity.
James 4:14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
We shouldn’t get caught up in the temporary things and forget the eternal things. God’s ultimate mission is for us to make disciples or to make more followers of Jesus.. This is what makes an impact on eternity as you bring others into a saving relationship with Jesus. You bring people from darkness into light. That’s why we exist. Look at what Jesus said as his parting words to his disciples.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Jesus is very clear about the mission statement for all Christians- we are to go out and make more disciples. This should be our main focus and our top priority. People are hurting and need help. Our job is to come alongside them and help them on their journey toward God.
How Can You Help Someone?
- Pray for God to bring someone into your life that needs help or simply invite a friend to coffee and pick a topic from the PursueGOD website and have a conversation about it.
- Write your own mission statement with Matt 28 in mind. Use it to evaluate future decisions and for accountability.
- Talk to your leaders at church and get paired with someone who is asking for help.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- What are some other common “little missions” that can distract us?
- If you had to write a mission statement for your life based on your current priorities and interests, what would it be?
- Read James 4:14. Do an honest self assessment, How are you too caught up in the more temporary things of life? How have those things affected your relationship with God?
- Read Matthew 28:19-20. Why do you think God wants to partner with us in bringing more people to him? How would your life change if you really lived by this mission statement?
- How have you helped others in the past? How could using the PursueGOD resources help you in your future relationships?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
