“Your mission, should you choose to accept it” is one of my favorite movie lines. I immediately feel a sense of thrill and anticipation for the next adventure that Ethan (played by Tom Cruise) will go on. Call me crazy but I’m excited for the new Mission Impossible coming out even though it’s like the 6th!
Have you ever wondered why you’re here and what you’re supposed to do with your life? I certainly have! As Christians, we have a clear mission to carry out that too many of miss.
Lately, I’ve been feeling this sense of urgency that has just been growing stronger and stronger. Like time is of the essence to share God’s truth with the world. God even gave me the words to write “Wake Up” that I posted on March 7 that tie into this sense of urgency.
Recently, Billy Graham, who led millions to the Lord and was known as America’s pastor died. He made spreading the gospel his mission and visited more than 185 countries. Now we’re left with big shoes to fill.
To top off my feelings of urgency lately, the pastor of our church did a sermon series titled “One Month To Live: What Would You do?” At this point, I’m basically freaking out because God continues to confirm my sense of urgency.
Part 4 of the series was about the fact that someone is always watching you. Your time will run out, but your influence will not. You’re leaving behind a trail whether you want to or not so let it be a good one.
So what is your mission?
Jesus spoke directly to His disciples before He ascended to heaven about their mission on earth. This mission isn’t just their mission but yours too if you’re a Christ follower.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20
So what does this look like in our lives? Our everyday life is what it will look like. You don’t have to be a missionary to fulfill this call. Some are called to be entrepreneurs, stay at home moms, janitors, teachers, coaches, etc.
You have an opportunity to point others to Jesus no matter what you do. You simply have to be a light where you are now. God doesn’t place people in your life for no reason. You don’t just run across people dealing with trials and tragedy for no reason. Speak life and encouragement when you have the chance.
The course of your loved one’s future hinges upon you. Teach your children to love the Lord, to love others, and how to respond during difficult times. If you don’t have kids, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a sphere of influence. You can plant seeds into every person you come across and they may not harvest until years later. But your influence was the difference.
Your choices matter, your attitude matters, and how you react matters. How much time you spend with the Lord matters, what you think matters, and how you spend your money matters. I believe we all need to wake up and start fulfilling our purpose while we still can. We aren’t promised tomorrow.
Reflection
Think about this: if you were to die right now, what would you be known for? That you lived hard and fast to only please yourself? That all you really cared about was money and popularity? Or that you loved Jesus and others?
Will you fulfill your mission or leave behind regrets? Take a few minutes to write down what kind of legacy you want to pass on. Now, what action steps do you need to take to make this legacy a reality? Keep this note handy and let it be a constant reminder of what truly matters.
A Prayer For You
Lord Jesus, thank You for this reminder. Please give us a sense of urgency to share love and truth with others. Remind us to at all times be alert and not lose sight of what our mission is. Give us the strength to stand up for what is right and be a light everywhere we go. In Jesus’ name, amen.