Have you ever felt like your life lacks purpose? Like you’re just going through the motions, unsure of why you’re here or what you’re meant to do? The truth is, if you’re a follower of Jesus, you have a profound purpose and are part of an incredible mission – the Great Commission.
Every day is an opportunity to make a difference, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. While our phones may not notify us of these moments, God’s heart and His Spirit constantly present us with chances to have an eternal impact. We’re not just here to take up space; we’re here to spread the news of God’s love and grace.
As we navigate our daily lives, it’s crucial to remember that Jesus wants to be over every aspect of our existence. He’s the author of our story, and He’s given us a clear mission: to know Him and make Him known to as many people as possible during our time on Earth.
You might think, “I’m just an ordinary person, not some super-Christian.” But here’s the beautiful truth: God wants to take your ordinary and add His “extra” to it, transforming you into someone who makes an extraordinary difference. While the specific ways we live out this mission may vary, there are four key principles we can all apply:
- Pray with Purpose
Prayer is not our last resort; it’s our first response. It’s the fuel for our mission, the oxygen for our soul. We need to be devoted to prayer, making it a natural part of our daily lives. This means being watchful, alert to spiritual attacks and false teachings, and maintaining an attitude of gratitude.
A powerful example of answered prayer comes from a father named John, who prayed passionately for his son Jaeden to draw closer to God. Through involvement in church activities and mission trips, God transformed Jaeden’s heart, leading him to go “all in” for Jesus. Now, father and son serve side by side, their story a testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of prayer.
- Plan to Proclaim
Sharing our faith doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentionality. We need to be prepared to step up and let God use us to tell others about the difference Jesus makes. Even in challenging circumstances, like the Apostle Paul writing from prison, we can find opportunities to share the Gospel.
Remember the powerful story of Paul and Silas in jail? Their joyful prayers and songs of worship not only impressed their fellow prisoners but also led to a miraculous turn of events. When an earthquake opened the prison doors, they chose to stay, leading to the salvation of the jailer and his entire household. Their simple message, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved,” is just as powerful and relevant today.
- Walk Wisely
Our actions speak volumes. People may never read a Bible, but they’re constantly reading our lives. We need to be wise in how we act, especially towards those who don’t share our faith. This means making the most of every opportunity, recognizing that time is short and the stakes are high.
Walking wisely might mean avoiding certain places or behaviors. It’s about living a life that looks different, one that reflects the transformative power of Christ. Our conduct at work, school, and in our communities should be a testament to our faith.
- Speak with Seasoned Salt
Our words matter. When we talk about Jesus and the difference He can make in people’s lives, our conversation should be so compelling that people can’t get enough. This doesn’t mean watering down the truth, but rather presenting it in a way that draws people in.
We’re called to speak with both grace and truth, just as Jesus did. Remember His interaction with the woman caught in adultery? He showed her compassion without condoning her sin, saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” This perfect blend of love and truth is what we should strive for in our own interactions.
Living out this mission may seem overwhelming, but we can draw inspiration from unexpected places. Consider the story of Justo Gallego MartÃnez, a former monk who spent nearly 60 years building a cathedral in Spain. Working mostly alone, without formal plans or permission, he used discarded materials to create a sprawling, unique structure. Though imperfect and unfinished, his work became a monument to personal sacrifice and spiritual purpose.
Like Justo, we’re called to build something beautiful for God, using whatever raw materials we have at our disposal. Our “cathedral” is the circle of influence God has placed around us. It may seem imperfect or misunderstood by others, but with Jesus as Lord, our faithful work, prayed for, proclaimed, wisely walked, and spoken with truth and grace, will become a testament to God’s glory.
In our culture, which often feels chaotic and purposeless, we have the incredible opportunity to live meaningful and impactful lives. By centering our lives on Jesus, devoting ourselves to prayer, boldly sharing our faith, walking wisely, and speaking with grace and truth, we can fulfill the mission God has given us.
Remember, you don’t need to be perfect or have it all figured out. You simply need to be willing to let Jesus be Lord over all aspects of your life, including your mission. As you do, you’ll find that life is never boring when you’re living for something greater than yourself.
So today, why not start by asking God to open your eyes to the opportunities He’s placing in your path? You never know – the next conversation, the next act of kindness, or the next moment of courage could be the one that changes someone’s life forever. Are you ready to live out your mission?