The Mission of a Christian Individual
A First Step in Determining Your Life Statement! From Sunday, December 8, 2024
Once Your Start Your Spiritual Journey . . .
. . . here are three ways—of many possible ways—to approach knowing your personal journey
First, develop a life statement which describes the convictions and the conduct required to fully engage in your journey. (An outline for this is at the end of this post.)
Second, envision and write your future story of missional ministry of what your spiritual journey will be like seven years from now if you with faithfulness, effectiveness, and innovation live into God’s call.
Third, enter a period of discernment focused on how you pray for others, connect with them, and serve as a Good News Influencer until your journey becomes clear to you.
Of these three, this post focuses on the first way—developing a life statement.
A Key Understanding for This Journey
Before, during, and even after developing a life statement a Christian should reach a point where the following statement is true for them:
“I believe I understand the spiritual journey (race) in which God has called me to engage, and I can be found faithfully running that race.”
Let’s begin with seeking to understand the mission of each Christian person.
Based on the New Testament--specifically the life and ministry of Jesus--what is the mission of each Christian person?
The New Testament, particularly the life and ministry of Jesus, outlines the mission of each Christian person. Here are some key aspects:
Convictions (Christ-Centered Foundational)
Great Commandment: Love God and Love Others. Jesus summarized the entire law in two commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). This love is the foundation of Christian discipleship.
Great Commission: Make Disciples. Jesus commissioned his followers to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and helping others grow in their faith.
Conduct (Missional Lifestyle)
Exemplary Character: Live a Righteous Life. Jesus taught his followers to live a righteous life, following God's commandments and seeking to be like him. This includes practicing forgiveness, generosity, and justice.
Compassionate Ministry: Serve Others. Jesus came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Christians are called to follow his example by serving others, especially those in need.
Good News Influencer: Spread the Gospel. The gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is the message of salvation and hope. Christians are called to share this message with others, both through words and through their actions.
These are just a few of the key aspects of the Christian mission. By living out these principles, Christians can fulfill their calling to be witnesses for Christ in the world.
(See these aspects represented in the following graphic .)
An Example of a Mission Statement for a Christian Individual:
To grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by making ourselves available to do what God has gifted, called, and given us a preference to do as our part in empowering the fulfillment of the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.
An Outline for a Full Life Statement for a Christian Individual:
The Mission of a Christian individual
How would you describe the mission of Christian individuals?
The Purpose of Your Life
What do you understand to be God’s purpose for your life?
Your Personal Core Values
What are the core values for your life?
The Vision for the Next Seven Years of Your Life?
What is God’s empowering vision for the next seven years of your life?
A Focused Scripture
Do you have a specific focused scripture for this season of your life?
Your Big Holy Almighty Goal
What is the big goal you are pursuing during this season of your life?
Two Word Theme
Is there a clear, specific theme for this season of your life?