The Mission: Embracing Our Purpose

Introduction

Why are we here?

It’s a question that has haunted humanity since the beginning of time. Each of us, at some point, wrestles with the meaning of our existence. We find ourselves searching for our purpose, yearning to understand what we're meant to do in this world. As Christians, we have the unique advantage of turning to the divine commands of Christ for answers. Our mission is more than a vague philosophical question; it is deeply rooted in our relationship with God and the teachings of Jesus. But what exactly is that mission?

Today, we’ll explore the mission—our divine purpose as humans—and how the commands of Christ give us a clear direction for fulfilling it. By understanding the purpose behind our existence and engaging with the mission God has set before us, we find deeper meaning, a more profound connection to our Creator, and a path to helping those around us.

The Divine Family: God's Desire for Relationship

From the beginning of creation, God made humanity with one simple yet powerful intention: He wanted a family. God, in His infinite love, desired to have a relationship with us, His creation. We are here because He desired to draw us into His divine plan—to experience His love and to love Him in return.

It is a humbling thought to realize that the Creator of the universe wants to be in relationship with us. Our existence is not random or meaningless; we were intentionally created to be a part of God’s family, to walk with Him, and to carry out His mission. And what is that mission?

Understanding the Mission: Serving Others

Our mission in life is simple, yet profound: to alleviate the suffering of others.

In the chaos of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in personal ambition, career goals, and individual success. But at the heart of Christ’s teachings is the call to serve others. We are not placed on this Earth solely for ourselves. Our purpose, our mission, is to reduce the suffering of those around us. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual, the command is clear: help others. In doing so, we not only fulfill our mission, but we also grow closer to God.

Physical Fitness as a Tool to Fulfill the Mission

Let’s start with something practical: our physical health. Often, we overlook how being physically fit helps us fulfill our divine purpose. However, the body is a vessel through which we serve. When we’re physically healthy and strong, we are better equipped to help others.

Perhaps you’ve worked hard to get yourself into shape. Now, imagine seeing someone struggling with their physical health—someone who doesn’t have the motivation or the resources to improve their condition. What can you do to help? Can you offer them encouragement, become their workout partner, or maybe even help fund a gym membership? It’s not just about building muscle or running marathons; it’s about using your physical strength to help others rise to the challenge of improving their own health.

Mental Fitness: Strengthening the Mind for the Mission

Mental strength is just as critical as physical health in carrying out our mission. Life can throw all sorts of challenges at us—trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression—and yet, those who have built mental resilience can be a lifeline to others in need.

If you’ve endured hardship and come out stronger on the other side, your story could be the key to unlocking hope in someone else’s life. Maybe you’ve conquered an addiction or overcome severe anxiety. Sharing that experience with someone who’s still in the struggle could be life-changing. You don’t have to be a professional therapist to make a difference. Sometimes, just being there for someone as a friend, mentor, or accountability partner is all it takes to help them move forward.

Spiritual Fitness: Staying Connected with God

Of all the areas of fitness—physical, mental, and spiritual—the last is undoubtedly the most important. Spiritual fitness is about maintaining a healthy relationship with God. It’s through this relationship that we gain the strength to help others. In fact, the closer we are to God, the more empowered we become to live out our mission.

When we are spiritually fit, we see the world differently. We don’t just view others through a lens of judgment or criticism; we see them as souls loved by God, each carrying their own burdens. We recognize that just as we have needed spiritual healing, others do too. This is why staying spiritually connected—through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship—is critical in our pursuit of the mission. It’s how we refill our own cup so that we can pour into others.

Our Collective Suffering and Mutual Support

There is one thing that binds us all together: suffering. No matter how successful, wealthy, or healthy someone may seem, everyone carries some form of pain or burden. It could be physical illness, emotional trauma, or spiritual disconnection. But here’s the beauty of the mission: when we help alleviate the suffering of others, we find that our own suffering diminishes.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by our own struggles, but Jesus calls us to look beyond ourselves. In Matthew 16:24, He says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Following Christ means embracing the suffering of others, and in doing so, finding healing for ourselves.

Overflowing with Abundance: Being Filled by God

As we serve others, we must constantly be filled by God. Without His Spirit filling us, our well will run dry. This is where Psalm 23 comes into play: “My cup runneth over.” David describes a life so filled with God’s goodness and grace that it overflows into the lives of others. When we allow God to pour into us, we have the strength, patience, and wisdom to pour into others.

This is why our spiritual fitness is crucial. When we stay connected to God, we operate out of abundance, not scarcity. We have more than enough to give because God is continually replenishing our spirit.

The Scarcity Mindset vs. Abundance Mindset

Too often, we operate with a scarcity mindset. We worry that if we give too much—whether it’s our time, energy, or resources—we’ll have nothing left for ourselves. But that’s not how God’s kingdom works. In His kingdom, when we give, we are filled even more. Our mission is sustained by this divine abundance. As long as we stay connected to God, we will never run out of what we need to serve others.

The Role of Community in the Mission

One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that we can do this alone. In a world that glorifies individual achievement, it’s easy to believe that we don’t need anyone else. But the truth is, we were created for community. Just as Jesus gathered His disciples and built the church, we are called to walk alongside others in fulfilling our mission.

Your community—whether it’s your family, church, or neighborhood—is your greatest asset in the mission. Together, you can support one another, share the burden of service, and lift each other up when the going gets tough.

Creating a Ripple Effect of Change

The beauty of living out your mission is that it creates a ripple effect. When you help one person, you inspire them to help someone else. This chain reaction of love and service expands outward, touching more lives than you could have ever imagined.

Imagine the impact if each of us took the time to help just one person. Now imagine that person going on to help someone else. It doesn’t take much to start a movement of change—just one act of kindness, one moment of compassion.

The Great Commission: Our Ultimate Purpose

At the heart of our mission lies the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This is our ultimate purpose: to bring others to Christ. The greatest way we can alleviate the suffering of others is by introducing them to the Savior who heals, restores, and redeems.

Every act of service, every moment of kindness, is an opportunity to show Christ to the world. It’s not about preaching from a pulpit or beating people over the head with the Bible. It’s about living a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. As we live out our mission, others will be drawn to the God we serve.

Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Trials

No mission comes without trials. Just as Jesus faced physical, mental, and spiritual battles, so will we. These trials are not meant to break us, but to shape us into the people God has called us to be. Each challenge we face brings us closer to our ultimate purpose, refining us in the process.

The Call to Be Spiritually Tough

The mission demands spiritual toughness. We must be resilient in our faith, grounded in our beliefs, and unwavering in our commitment to God. There will be times when the weight of the mission feels overwhelming, but it’s in those moments that we must rely on God’s strength to carry us through.

Making an Impact Beyond Yourself

The mission isn’t just about us—it’s about the lives we touch along the way. As we help others out of their “trenches,” we find that we are lifted out of ours as well. The mission of Christ is one of mutual support, love, and service.

Conclusion: The Power of Purpose in Our Lives

Living out our mission is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we embrace the purpose God has given us, we find deeper meaning in our daily lives. We realize that every interaction, every act of service, is an opportunity to make a difference in the world. As we go forth, let us remember that our mission is not just for ourselves but for the glory of God and the betterment of those around us.

Embrace Your Mission Today

So, what are you waiting for? Embrace your mission today. Step out in faith, serve others, and watch how God uses you to transform lives. There’s no greater purpose, no higher calling, than fulfilling the divine mission God has set before you.

May your heart be filled, your spirit strengthened, and your mission made clear.

"The Mission" - Episode 61

https://youtu.be/mw-gBKPXoYM