In a Nutshell

Mission statements are all the rage in corporations, universities and organizations. They are kind of like goals in a nutshell.  I've even heard pastors and teachers encourage  families to develop a mission statement. 

According to Wikipedia, a mission statements is: a formal, short, written statement of the purpose of a company or organization. 

The mission statement consists of: 1. a statement containing the reason for using your product 2. a statement of some desired future state (vision) 3. a statement of the key values the organization is committed to 4. a statement of major goals.

Reading through Acts, I discover that Paul received a mission statement from Jesus during his conversion on the road to Damascus. 

I am sending you to them (your own people)

to open their eyes

and turn them from darkness to light, 

and from the power of Satan to God,

so that they may receive forgiveness of sins

and a place among those who are sanctified by faith

in me. 

Acts 26:18

It has

1) reason for using the product - leading others to faith

2) future state - forgiveness of sin and a place among the sanctified

3) key values - Jesus Christ

4) major goals - opened eyes and turn from darkness and Satan to light and God

This mission statement is one that also gives direction to me as a mom--a Bible study leader, a grocery store shopper, a carpool driver, ..... I should walk through my days with this mission statement as my focus. My conduct and speech should cause others to have their eyes opened and turn from darkness and Satan to light and God. Wow, and I thought I was just a mom. 

It just proves once again that there really is nothing new under the sun; mission statements have been given by God for years. They aren't just something dreamed up in modern board rooms. 

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