The more life wears you down, the more difficult it can become to focus on the mission. Too often we forget that this life is not about us. It’s not about doing what we want to do, building empires, or even just experiencing as much pleasure as we can. That’s what the world pursues and what Satan wants you to believe. (1 John 2:15-17; Ephesians 2:1-3)
For those who accept the truth of Christ’s Lordship and understand what He did on our behalf, our life is different. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:19-20) We live for Him in everything we think, say, and do. There is nothing we engage in that we do not do on His behalf and for His glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17) Nothing. You will never experience the truth and hope of His peace until you come to understand that.
In corporate America, they speak of the dangers of “mission drift.” That is what happens when a company loses sight of why they do what they do and begins engaging in areas and ideas that have nothing to do with what they formed their company to accomplish. The same can happen in our personal lives. As we mature, age, and become exposed to different ideas and cultures, our attitudes and opinions may change until one day we look back and aren’t sure how we got where we are or became who we’ve become. We’ve lost our focus on the mission He gave to us.
In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus tells the stories of three men who claimed they wanted to be His disciples. The first hadn’t bothered to consider what it would cost him. (Luke 9:57-58) When Jesus called another man to follow Him, that man wanted to wait until he had buried his father. (Luke 9:59-60) Most pastors and commentators believe what this man meant was he would follow after he had received his inheritance and was on a more secure financial footing. The last man wanted to delay until he had said goodbye to his family and friends. (Luke 9:61-62)
When Jesus chooses you to follow Him, there is only one response: “Yes, Lord!” and that response must be immediate. There is no “I’ll serve the Lord later” or “I’ll serve Him after…” There is only, “I will serve the Lord now and for every second that follows.” That is what it means to focus on the mission. We don’t get caught up in the politics or trends of this world. (2 Timothy 2:4) We keep our eyes on the prize and never look over our shoulder. (2 Timothy 2:5; Philippians 3:13-14). Every day, we do the work (2 Timothy 2:6; John 9:4). Whatever Jesus says, that’s what we do. (John 14:15; Luke 6:46)
There is a cost to following Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3; Luke 14:28-33). He said if we would follow Him, we must pick up our cross and carry it each day. (Luke 9:23) Not a day passes where we will be unaware of the price we will pay for the honor of being His servant. But the trials here are few and temporary in the light of eternity. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Romans 8:18) This world will never relent in its temptations. In spite of that, we must focus on the mission. We must fix our eyes on Heaven and persevere, no matter the cost. (Hebrews 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2) Focus on the mission. Jesus demands it (Matthew 6:33) and Jesus is worth it. (Philippians 3:8)