Mission 2014: Step Up to Greatness

“I believe I’m made for greatness,” says my friend, Grant Phillips. “We all are,” he adds. Then he explains: “Greatness happens in those moments when we get the chance to show love in action.”

He’s right. Human beings were made to give and receive love. It’s our highest calling.

Don’t worry, this blog will not tell you to try harder, care more, give more or do more. Like most folks, you’re probably stressed and worn out from doing too many things for too many people. I won’t tell you to love more; I want to challenge you to love smarter.

Or, more precisely, to love wiser.

Each new day gives us a constant stream of choices: Do I stop to help a stranded motorist, or do I arrive at work on time? Do I spend ten minutes listening to a troubled friend, or do I get home in time to kiss my kids good night?

The answers don’t come in one-size-fits-all packages. Each person has a unique calling, a personal mission that was built into us by our Creator. Until we know what our love-mission is, we’re flying blind. We rush around responding to the “squeaky wheels” in our lives, while missing the signposts to our best path for meaningful service.

The night before he died, Jesus prayed, “I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me.” (John 17:6) Wouldn’t it be great if each of us could know which people and purposes God has assigned to us personally? We could focus our energies in a sustained and meaningful way, instead of spreading ourselves thin, trying to be all things to all people.

My resolution for 2014 is to seek answers to two questions:

1. How can I know what my love-mission is?

2. Which skills and attitudes will help me carry out my mission well?

This blog will be a journal of my discoveries. Please support me with your prayers and please share your insights by posting comments.