Permit me stretch you a step further. A person on a mission accomplishes more. A person with a vision thinks ahead. A person with value is not easily moved.
If there is any example we must emulate, it should be that of Jesus. From a very young age, Jesus understood that He was on earth for a mission. When you read the account of Jesus from Luke 2:41-52, we are introduced to Jesus as a 12years old boy who goes along with His parents to the temple for the festival of Passover. After the event, Jesus stays back with the leaders and 3 days later, His parents find Him in the temple among the elders listening and asking questions. When asked why he chose to behave this way, Jesus’ response was this in Luke 2:49 (NIV) “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
I bring this story up to emphasize a few things about mission
-It is never too early to have a mission for your life, neither is it too late. Understand that life is a gift and any opportunity you have to make a difference in your life, do not hesitate.
-Having a mission for your life helps define the places you go and the people you invest your time with. That was the case with Jesus, He knew He had to be in His Father’s house and He did not dim it disrespectful neither was He intimidated to interact with the elders at the temple.
There are other examples in scripture that let us know that indeed Jesus was on a Mission. In John 5:19 (NIV) – Jesus made this statement, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does”. In Luke 19:10 (NIV), Jesus says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
When we take a very close look at all these statements made by Jesus, we will realize that He was not confused about why He was on earth and neither was He confused about whom He listened to (or took instructions from). That is what a mission statement will do for you.
A mission statement keeps you in check and helps you live a non-apologetic lifestyle.
When Jesus was accused of eating with the poor, He immediately told His accusers that the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.
Your mission statement will help you maintain focus on purpose. It determines what you will do and not do. It serves as a road map for your life. It helps you redeem time.
There were many other things on earth that Jesus could have done with his life and time while here on earth, nevertheless, He was guided by His mission. His mission determined what he did, whom he did it for and who benefited from it. His actions benefited the people and glorified His Father at the same time. A mission statement will help an individual live beyond themselves. If your mission statement or the mission statement of your home is self – centered, I will encourage you to re-examine it and adopt Jesus’ mission style. He came to save the lost, in addition, He healed the sick, raised the dead, cause the blind to see and more.
The questions is “what is your mission statement?” What are you doing? For whom are you doing? What is the benefit? Please set aside some time and give structure to this area of your life for the glory of God. Always remember that the mission statement of your home is only as important as your personal mission statement.
A mission statement is so important that even the devil has one for himself. John 10:10a states clearly his mission statement – It says the thief does not come but to steal, kill and destroy. It is that clear. Based on this statement, it is very easy to trace the tracks of the enemy. His boundaries are defined by his mission, the outcome of his mission can even be predicted. The thieve will not attempt to do anything that will produce contrary results from his stated mission.
Family, it’s about advancing the Kingdom and we truly cannot over emphasize this truth. Remember it is all about relationships. Living as one on a mission with a mission statement as a guide. Think about the lives you will impact as a result of staying on course. Nation builders, kingdom giants, generational pacesetters, role models, and pioneers will be the outcome from your generation. Remember, the model home is not a perfect home; it is an excellent home!
