Using the 4Ls, Part 3 – The Mission

Last week, I began by considering how the 4Ls and my vision relate to one another. Again, the key is to consider an inter-connected spiral which flows from top to bottom and then back to the top. Thus, the vision both impacts each of the Ls, while it is also impacted by each L. Having taken a view of the Ls from the vantage point of 20000 feet (vision post), in this post, I am dropping down to about 12,500 feet to consider how my mission statement relates within the scope of the spiral.

First, it is important to note that I treat the mission statement and vision statement differently. Many combine the two statements, and that is fine, but I am a little nerdy on a few matters, and this is one of them. I crafted my vision statement as something which will guide me, but which I can never perfectly attain on this side of eternity. My mission statement serves to remind me of my primary objectives which, if I meet, will help me know I am satisfying all I can, in this life, to come closer to achieving my vision.

My mission statement is: I will love my Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ, submit to His authority in my life, and rely on His power to use my God-given abilities to serve others – beginning with my family (Phil. 2:3-4).  I will seek to grow in my knowledge and understanding of God’s truths, and His will for my life.  I will trust in His provision (Ps. 73.25-26).  I will externalize my faith by reaching out to others, teaching them God’s truths, and encouraging others to grow in their own relationship with Christ, so they may disciple others as well (Col. 1.28-29).

This statement has several components, all of which should help me fulfill my vision. (On the way back up the spiral I will break these down further in light of the 4Ls). To become the man God wants me to be (my vision), I must LEARN (grow in my knowledge and understanding). I must actively LIVE (serve others, Phil. 2.3-4), while relying on His provision (Ps. 73.25-26) and power (Colossians 1.28-29). I must LOVE (beginning with Jesus and extending to others). If I do not do that, nothing else matters and I can not come close to being the man God wants me to be. That is why the idea of loving is the first part of my mission statement. Finally, I must LEAD others (encourage others to grow) so they can then disciple others.

The previous paragraph may seem obvious in light of the mission statement. The mission statement, likewise, should seem somewhat obvious in helping me to accomplish my vision. The key to that sentence is my vision. Of course, yours will be different. But however you approach this, I encourage you to craft a statement (vision and/or mission) which work together to fulfill God’s plan for your life. As you do attempt this, take your time. While I have had this basic mission statement for over 15 years, it has been modified a bit over time. Furthermore, the development of my strategy  (next week’s post) and the 4Ls (in two weeks) were developed later. All of this was a process over several years, so don’t think it has to be done (or especially be perfect) tomorrow. Just begin the process and ask God to guide you through it.