Meditation on the Mission

to Know, to Grow, to Show, and to Go

The Greatest Commandment

Scriptures: Mark 12:28-33, I Cor. 13:1-13, Col. 3:12-14, I Pet. 4:8

Question: Is love the foundation for our life and ministry?

The Lord has told us that all His commandments hang on one central principle: love. We must love the Lord our God more than anything in life, and we must love our neighbor as ourselves. It is no accident that the four goals which make up the mission statement of the Charlotte church are all connected to God’s love. Our desire is to know God’s love, grow in God’s love, show God’s love and go with God’s love. How does God’s love for us, and our love for God, provide a foundation for everything we do as a church? Think about how love is at the heart of everything you do today – big things and little things.

The Mission of Jesus

Scriptures: Mark 10:45, Luke 19:10, Matt. 4:18-19, John 14:8-9

Question: What were the purposes for Jesus coming to earth?

Although it was observed that Jesus “went around doing good” (Acts 10:38), his life was more than just a random collection of kind acts. His life had a purpose! He continually focused on his life-goals – to show us God’s nature, to sacrifice himself for our sins, and to make disciples. Every action of His life was ordered by those objectives, and when He died He could triumphantly say, “It is finished.” In your own words, how would you summarize the earthly mission of Jesus? What did He mean when He said, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4)?

Jesus’ Mission and Mine

Scriptures: II Cor. 5:15-21, II Pet. 1:3-8, Matt. 5:14-16, I Peter 2:9

Question: How is my life to fit in with Jesus’ purpose and plan?

We live in a busy and complicated world, but the Lord did not intend for us to live meaningless and haphazard lives. He called each of us to be His children and He wants each of us to be focused in the way we use our time, energy and gifts to serve and glorify Him. Think about the scriptures that talk about our purpose (especially those mentioned above in 1 and 2). How would you summarize the purpose of your life on earth? Com-pare this summary of “your purpose” with your summary of Jesus’ purpose. How do your priorities, goals and actions fit in with those of Jesus Christ?

The Mission of the Church

Scriptures: Eph. 3:20-2, 4:15-16, Phil. 2:14-15, Rom. 12:3-8, Col. 3:15-17

Question: What is the purpose of the church?

It is sometimes difficult for everyone in the church to get along and work well together. We might be tempted at times to ask, “Why do we need a church anyway?” But God in His wisdom recognizes that we need each others’ help to accomplish the four mission tasks of “knowing, growing, showing and going.” Make a list of these four objectives and next to them write some ways being in a church helps us better reach these goals. What are some things you can do to fulfill your specific responsibilities in the church?

Keeping Our Priorities Straight

Scriptures: Matt. 6:33, Heb. 10:23-27, Phil. 2:1-4, Eph. 5:15-17

Question: Are you putting the most important things first in your life?

A lot of our time and energy is spent on things that may have very little to do with our purpose in life. If we fail to keep our plans and actions focused on our purpose, then our lives will tend to become chaotic and ineffective. We will be often busy, but we will not fully accomplish God’s will for our lives. Look again at the four areas mentioned in our mission statement. What activities in your life need to be moved up the priority list? Make plans this week to put first things first.

Keeping Our Balance

Scriptures: Josh. 1:7-8, Matt. 23:23-24, Mark 7:37, II Tim. 4:1-5

Question: Is our life and ministry in balance?

Too often we spend our life running from one “emergency” to another, majoring on one thing and neglecting other important responsibilities. God has urged us to strive for balance by observing all His commands, not just a few. We are not to binge on evangelism while neglecting prayer and purity. We don’t need to overdose on Bible study while ignoring the need to serve others. If we work to “discharge all the duties of our ministry,” we will move closer to the example of Jesus, who “did all things well.” Which of the areas in our mission statement need to be brought into balance in your life?

Putting Our Plans into Action

Scriptures: Luke 6:46-49, James 1:22-25, Luke 12:47-48, Col. 3:23-24

Question: Will we put the mission statement into action in our lives?

It has been said that “when all is said and done… there’s a whole lot more said than done.” Talk is cheap and words always come easier than actions, whether they are plans, promises or mission statements. While coming up with dreams and goals for the church has involved prayer, thought and hard work, the real challenges still lie ahead. Each of us needs to ask, what is my part in the mission of the Charlotte church? What price am I willing to pay to help this congregation to be what God wants it to be? Where can I start? Let’s all be prayerful, zealous and ready to do the things the Lord calls us to do!