Understanding the Mission

Understanding Our Mission: Living with an Eternal Perspective

As Christians, our lives are meant to reflect a purpose far greater than the here and now. This article explores how to embrace that purpose, drawing wisdom from the Scriptures and reflecting on the true nature of our earthly journey.

The Foundation: Recognizing God’s Purpose and Our Role

Our lives as Christians are profoundly shaped by our understanding of God’s plan and our place within it. This understanding hinges on our ability and willingness to allow God to fulfill His role while we diligently focus on our own responsibilities. This involves a conscious effort to continuously redirect our hearts and minds toward what holds eternal value.

Key Principle: We are temporary residents on earth, and our priorities should reflect our eternal destiny. By aligning our lives with God’s purposes, we find meaning and impact that transcends the fleeting concerns of this world. This is beautifully expressed in Colossians 3:1-2: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”   

The Constant Companion: Embracing the Presence of the Holy Spirit

The realization that God is perpetually with us is a foundational truth that should profoundly impact our daily lives. He is Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised in John 14:16-17, is not a distant force but a constant companion, residing within every believer: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”   

Practical Application: This awareness should transform our conduct, encouraging us to live as though we are always in God’s presence, because we are. As Psalm 139:7-10 so eloquently states, there is nowhere we can go to escape His presence: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” He is not merely a distant deity, but a loving Father and Friend who desires an intimate relationship with each of us.   

Navigating Life’s Challenges: Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

Life inevitably presents us with obstacles and uncertainties. However, like water flowing around rocks, we can trust God to guide us through these challenges. Our role is not to become paralyzed by worry, but to trust in His sovereignty and focus on what we can control.

Scriptural Guidance: Philippians 4:6-7 provides invaluable advice: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This passage highlights the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in maintaining peace amidst life’s storms. It reminds us that God’s peace is beyond human comprehension and will safeguard our hearts and minds.   

Building a Relationship: Seeking God’s Will

Trust in God is cultivated through a deep, personal relationship. This requires seeking His will with our whole heart and mind, engaging in a two-way dialogue with Him. Isaiah 1:18 extends a gracious invitation: “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

Prioritization is Key: Matthew 6:33 emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s kingdom first: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” By prioritizing our relationship with God and aligning ourselves with His eternal purposes, we ensure that our lives are guided by His wisdom, not our limited understanding.

Our Primary Mission: Serving and Spreading the Gospel

As Christians, our core mission is to serve God and spread the Gospel. This mission transcends earthly concerns and reminds us that our true home is in heaven. Matthew 28:19-20 provides the Great Commission, our marching orders: “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.”   

Soldiers of Christ: 2 Timothy 2:3-4 uses the analogy of a soldier to illustrate our commitment: “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” This reminds us that we are engaged in a spiritual battle with eternal consequences, and our focus should be on pleasing our Commander, Jesus Christ. Our purpose is to rescue the lost souls, to spread the Good News and impact the world, leading them to Christ.   

Beyond YOLO: Embracing an Eternal Perspective

The popular phrase “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) often leads to a focus on immediate gratification and worldly pursuits. However, as Christians, we understand that this life is merely the beginning of an eternal journey. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reveals that God “has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Focusing on What Matters: Recognizing that everything on earth is temporary helps us prioritize eternal values. When we trust God to handle our worldly concerns as we focus on His kingdom, He provides for our needs abundantly. Reflecting on past experiences often reveals that relying on our own understanding is counterproductive, while submitting to God’s will leads to fulfillment and peace.

Living a Life That Honors God

Living with an eternal perspective is essential for Christians. By acknowledging God’s constant presence, trusting in His sovereignty, prioritizing our relationship with Him, and focusing on our mission to serve and spread the Gospel, we align ourselves with what truly matters. This perspective allows us to navigate life’s challenges with peace, live with purpose, and prepare ourselves for our true home in heaven. As we embrace this eternal perspective, we experience God’s abundant provision and peace, ultimately living lives that honor Him and reflect His love to the world.