What Does Being “On Mission” Look Like?

In the book The Way of the Dragon or The Way of the Lamb, Jamin Goggin and Kyle Strobel write:

Jesus was grounded in an unhurried existence that allowed him to be present; to listen carefully and faithfully; to overflow in mercy, grace, and love; and to know his calling (and to refuse to be seduced by callings that were not his or callings not done according to his way).

We know we are to be “on mission” with God? But what does that look like? I think the quote above gives us a glimpse.

Jesus was unhurried. I don’t think this is a characteristic that describes many in our culture today. We seem to always be pressed for time with somewhere to be and something to do. Now I don’t think being unhurried means we are not diligent about our work and days. However, I do think it speaks to a way of life that takes notice of others instead of always rushing from one place to another. We must realize the greater agenda of our days.

Jesus was present. Wherever we are, we need to be all there. What’s our biggest distraction? Most likely, it’s our smart phones. Don’t miss seeing those around you because your face is glued to a screen.

Jesus listened. What is one thing people need? They need to be heard. Though we have a great message to share, we must do so within the context of listening. This requires time and patience. Maybe we should not just pray for someone in whom to share the gospel but also pray for someone in whom we can sit and listen?

Jesus overflowed with mercy, grace, and love. We need to be people with grace and love on tap. I believe we do “love people.” But we often don’t like them. In other words, we love people abstractly. However, we must love with more than just with words. It must be concrete and specific. This is where the rubber meets the road.

Jesus knew his calling. Jesus knew who he was and what he was on earth to do. Though many things could have distracted him (consider the temptations by Satan in the dessert in Matthew 4), he stayed true to the race set ahead of him. We must do the same. And we do so as we continue to keep our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Jesus told his disciples that just as the Father had sent him, so he was sending them (John 20:21). This applies to us. His mission is now our mission. His heart is now our heart. This also means that his method of how he accomplished his mission must be ours as well.

So let’s begin living an unhurried life while being present to those around us while listening and showing love in all we do and say. And let us not get distracted about who we are and what we are called to be for the world. This is our mission!

Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash