manwomanGod.com

As leaders and managers we’ve been involved in forming Mission & Vision statements for our business, corporation, church or staff perhaps.  But have we taken the time to do the same for ourselves, actually writing down a personal Vision & Mission Statement?  If you’ve never done so, I strongly encourage it, as it can be very revealing and will help you focus your time and resources in an efficient and satisfying way.   It can be an effective tool in decision making, on top of being a great spiritual exercise!  As has been aptly said, “If we don’t know where we’re going, any path will get us there!”  Jesus commands us to use our personal resources wisely in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).  As part of our “Lead Like Jesus” (Ken Blanchard, etc.) study we attendees were given the opportunity to develop or refine and write out our Personal Mission & Vision Statements.  It starts with an introspective analysis of our values, character and personality traits and our life experiences, spiritual gifts and skills.  We look at our roles in life as a leader, spouse, parent and disciple of Christ and prayerfully determine specifically where God is calling us to service at this point in our life.  We also select our favorite life focusing Bible verses.  For example, my Personal Vision Statement is: “As a leader I aspire to glorify God & enjoy Him forever [an allusion to the Westminster Catechism] by fulfilling my God-given potential in each of my roles in life: as a disciple, coach, spouse, parent and church member.”  My Personal Leadership Mission Statement is: “To achieve my God-given potential for glorifying God by using my gifts, talents and experience (e.g., teaching, equipping/coaching and discernment) to further God’s kingdom here on earth, always basing my decisions and actions on the guidance of God through prayer, a study of the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”  Life Scripture verses: Matthew 25 (parable of the talents), Matthew 6:19-21 (lay up treasures in heaven), Matthew 22:36-40 (greatest commandment), 1 John 4:8 (God is love), John 14:27 (Fear not), Romans 6:23 (God’s grace), and John 14:6 (Christ is the way, the truth and the life).  Obviously, your life experiences, spiritual gifts, etc. will be different, but the process of working out your Personal Vision and Mission is invaluable.  The book, “Lead Like Jesus” (Ken Blanchard, etc.). offers more insights and examples.  There are several assessments available free online to help you determine your gifts and talents.  One particularly good process is obtained through a S.H.A.P.E. assessment (Spiritual gifts, Heart/passion, Abilities, Personality, Experiences).   Our church offers such seminars periodically and for new members.  As Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”  As the Scriptures state, This life is like a brief ember, dust upon the wind, therefore seize whatever time you have been given and lay up for yourself treasures in Heaven.  (Ecclesiastes, Matthew)