Our second step in working through life’s priorities and plans is to figure out our mission. If the Purpose is the WHY of life, the mission is the big picture WHAT. It defines the arena in which we live, work and use our gifts. For some the mission is clearly defined. I am a missionary in Japan, for example. That sets a lot of the boundaries for me and helps answer a lot of questions I might have about how to use my gifts. For others, the mission is less defined and might better be thought of as a vision of themselves in the future if they actively follow their purpose, principles and values from step one. The question may be more WHO should I be, than WHAT should I do.
We can get so caught up in activity that we focus exclusively on the details of our activity instead of considering the kind of person God is shaping me into. I believe, most of the time, if we pursue being the right person in God’s eyes, according to His Word, we will easily be able to answer the questions about what we should do. The further we are from Him, the more difficult it becomes to answer those questions about what we should do. It’s true we all need a mission, we WILL do something. But it is equally true that who we are is usually more important in the long run than any single thing we do. Be the right person, who does the right thing.