Deep down, each of us longs to know what we’re here on earth to do—to have some sense of purpose and mission. Some people have a “life verse” from the Bible that gives them succinct focus. If you don’t have one of those, perhaps today’s passage is a good one to adopt.
What’s your life’s mission? According to Ephesians, our life mission has three elements:
To live loved. Before there is any grand vision for you to pursue or great accomplishment to achieve, you’re to receive the love that God has for you. We’re His “dear children” (Ephesians 5:1; 1 John 3:1). Before we ever loved Him, He loved us (1 John 4:19). “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). Before there’s anything for you to do, there’s something for you to be—loved by God.
To imitate God. Because you’re His child, you’re to imitate your Father as a child imitates her parent (Ephesians 5:1). Notice how this is stated more in character terms than in career decisions. We imitate Him by being kind, compassionate, and forgiving to others—the way He’s been to us (Ephesians 4:32). He sets the standard, we follow. He’s the source of goodness, and we’re channels of it.
To love others. “Live a life filled with love,” Paul says, “following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:2). All the dreams we pursue, all the career goals we set, all the tasks we do are to reflect the great commandment of love for God and others (Matthew 22:37-39). And this love is measured in sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2). The love we’ve received from God, and watched Him live out, we now offer to those around us.
Live loved, imitate God, love others. That’s the ideal mission statement for your life.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ephesians 6:10-20
More:
Read Romans 5:5 and consider how God fills your heart with His love.
Next:
Do you ever rush to do something for God rather than be loved by God? How would your life be different if you did nothing but live out your “mission statement” for a year?
Gary Shultz on December 2, 2014 at 8:23 am
I suppose this would be scratchy to some; however, I think you are correct in the steps of our development. We often hear “dream big” I never understood exactly what was meant by that. I think we need to lay our personal ambitions at the cross and start the dream/plan God has for us. Only after we understand how much He loves us will we do that. As the disciples always wanted to live that “fishing dream”; however when they finally understood and truly followed, they did turn the world upside down. Good stuff
Sheridan Voysey on December 2, 2014 at 10:51 am
I think that’s right, Gary. Know that you’re loved by God first, love God back, then all our dreaming is going in a healthy direction.
street on December 2, 2014 at 11:47 am
dream big
i have used this term recently, the world and people dream small compared to God, even thought we are made in His image. it is similar to the statement you need a bigger God. fishing and doing good works on our own will not last for eternity. one of the question in the Bible is why work for that which perishes or wears out. the world gets turn upside down in the presents of God. hang on to the Rock. when the truth settles in there is peace and direction will come. directions come with the small stuff first. the Shalom is the best part.