“What do you want me to do for you?” What if the wisest and most influential man in the world asked you that question, how would you respond? Doesn’t the thought of that make your heart flutter a little faster and your busy mind kick into search mode, looking for those dormant dream files? That is exactly what Jesus asked in two separate conversations recorded in the 10th chapter of Mark’s Gospel. Both incidences are related to getting at core longings and deepest needs. Significance. Purpose. Vision.
I have discovered that the deepest longing individuals have expressed, beyond meeting daily needs, is a sense of mission. Mission motivates and focuses our energy. It gives our life meaning and helps keep us centered. A sense of mission keeps us moving forward as life is unfolded in a discovery sort of way. Life is an adventure. Even the “wilderness” years and dry times can be endured when there is a sense of mission in your life. How do we go about discovering the mission? I would like to suggest three important principles in discovering life’s mission. One can think of it as stages that must be mastered to experience the next level. The first two stages are shared by every person and the last is unique to the individual:
1) Seek to stand hour by hour in the conscious presence of God- the One from whom the mission is derived.
Jesus as “the Son of Man” is a prototype human being. He served as an example of how to live our lives as humans related to the unseen Heavenly Father. “The truth is anyone who believes in me will do the same works that I have done and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father” (Jn. 14:12) and He also shed light on a very profound truth when He declared, “I came from the Father into the world, and I leave the world and return to the Father” (Jn. 16:28) Very simply, if we believe we were created at some point and proceeded from the Creator into a body prepared for the unseen part of us, then maybe, just maybe He had something in mind for us to become and do while we are here on the Earth. The only way to discover that reality is to actually cultivate a relationship with Him. A “calling” implies there is Someone beyond this natural world doing the calling. Falling in love with Him, enjoying Him, and being His child is the first stage in the discovery of a mission.
2) Do what you can moment by moment, day by day, step by step to make the world a better place- following the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The second stage to master is the “doing” stemming from “being” a child of God. Unfortunately, there is no “map quest” to our life destiny. We must learn to draw on untapped resources by obeying the promptings of our Love God by making the world a better place by serving. In moments of decision choose to bring Heaven to the Earth by acts of kindness and expressions of love. Love is a verb. Be willing to be attentive to the legitimate needs of others, serving their best interest and welfare regardless of how we feel about it. The mission is discovered by the submitted heart that declares, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven” moment by moment.
3) To exercise that talent which you came to the Earth to use in a place or setting which God caused to appeal to you the most; for those purposes which stir your passion which God needs to have done in the world.
This last stage is uniquely yours. What makes your heart sing and your passions heat up? Your mission of love will most likely be carried out through one or more of three arenas:
- Arena of Mind: Bringing more truth to the world
- Arena of Heart: Bringing more beauty to the world.
- Arena of Will: Bringing more perfection into the world through service
It’s time to achieve your life mission.
