A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
To be honest, I’m not big on “missions” and “mission statements.” To me the word “mission” sounds task oriented. Being a bit lazy, I tend to shy away from anything remotely resembling more work I have to do. I know it’s all psychological, but what can I say? I tend to psych myself out sometimes. But I do like the word “purpose.” To me purpose means my life makes a difference and what I do each and every day matters—not only to me, but to those around me and to God.
Let’s face it, I’ll probably never give up all my worldly possessions to serve the poor, leave a lucrative medical practice to be a missionary in Africa, or travel the world to preach the gospel while bringing hundreds of people to Christ. That’s because I was not called to be like Mother Teresa, Dr. Albert Schweitzer, or Billy Graham. But that doesn’t make my life any less meaningful or important in God’s eyes. Maybe some of us were called to live ordinary lives—doing what we can to serve God and others regardless of circumstances.
An old adage states: We can’t all cross the ocean, but we can still stand on the shore and help launch the ships. In other words, those who stay behind doing God’s work are just as important as those that go to the forefront.
David understood this principle. When he and his men fought the Amalekites, some went into battle and some had to stay behind to guard the carriages and baggage left behind so the pursuit could move faster. When the soldiers returned victorious with the spoils, many did not want to share the bounty with those who had not gone into battle. They felt their jobs were more important than those who remained behind. David did not agree. He said that all would share in what God had given them equally. “The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike” (1 Samuel 30:21-25).
We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Some may have a desire to serve in greater capacities but might be limited by health problems, finances, family obligations, and so on. God did not intend for everyone to live in a limelight. But just because people go unnoticed doesn’t mean they aren’t significant. We all must do what we can—and we all share in the same reward with God.
Maybe my mission or purpose or whatever you want to call it in life is as simple as sharing and showing the love of God. I am God’s workmanship created to live my life according to His will (Ephesians 2:10). If I stay God centered, He will give my life meaning, keep me focused and motivated—and His strength can keep me going (Philippians 4:13).
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Dear God, I don’t mind being ordinary. I really don’t! We are all extraordinary in Your eyes because You live in us. Equip me to embrace the tasks You lay before me so I can do what You would have me do and not run away. Give me the strength and courage to recognize and enter Your open doors. There are times when I feel like I’m not making progress as Your servant. Sometimes it’s all I can do just to make it through another day. Let me realize that being an encouraging support to others who have been called to serve in ways I haven’t such as missionaries, preachers, or chaplains is important in Your eyes. Bless the person traveling the world to spread Your gospel. And bless those of us who remain home and allow us to reflect Your light to all we meet—day by day.
