What is my mission?

10-24-08
SCRIPTURE
"And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:22-24)

OBSERVATION
What is your mission? Paul knew his. And along with it came a willingness to sacrifice ... his safety, his comfort, his life. Regardless of the warnings signs that shouted out the dangers that stood in his way, he relentlessly pursued the assignment the Lord placed on his heart.

Sometimes I think we have a tendency to misunderstand what "sacrifice" really looks like. We surrender ourselves, if and only if there is a return for our sacrifice. Only if I get something out of the deal – attention, reward, pleasure, money, etc. Sometimes the response ends with this: “…and all I get in return is this?"

But, Paul provides us with a picture of unconditional sacrifice. It's not about receiving, but it's giving of ourselves:
regardless of the dangers,
regardless of the risks,
regardless of the rewards, or lack thereof.

It's giving without any expectation of returns. And it all hinges upon our understanding of our mission. When the mission is clear, we will give of ourselves no matter what the costs. Is my mission clear and compelling enough?

APPLICATION
What's my mission, my life-long mission? This is a question I need to ask myself daily. Each day will present me with choices that I need to make as to where I direct my time, my energy, my attention and resources. But, my decisions can't be based upon what I think I will get out of it. Each choice that I make must be based upon what I can give towards fulfilling my life-long mission as a husband, father and servant-leader. A sacrifice isn't truly a sacrifice, unless it costs. What am I willing to pay towards fulfilling my mission today?

PRAYER
Father, thank you for once again adjusting the focus of life for me. You reminded Paul "it is more blessed to give than to receive," let that reminder resonate in my ears and life as true for me today in all that I choose to do.