Paul’s Mission Statement
Paul’s letters are found in the New Testament of the Bible. Philippians is one of those letters which was written to the church in Philippi, the first church Paul founded. The letter’s main theme is to encourage the Philippians. Paul wants them (and us) to live their lives committed to serving God and others, the two greatest commandments (see Matthew 22:34-40).
In the letter, Paul speaks of God meeting all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus - Phil 4:19
He speaks of rejoicing always and to not be anxious about anything but to present our request to God with thanksgiving, Phil 4:4-7.
Paul also speaks to what should be the focus of our thoughts in chapter 4 verse 8,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
Instruction is given with respect to our attitude toward our daily responsibilities
Do everything without complaining, or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault ... in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life - Phil 2:14-16. Which, by the way, that does not mean you should be a doormat and never voice your thoughts. It just means there is right way and a wrong way to change your situation.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ - Phil 1:27
In chapter 3 verses 12-14 he encourages us to press on and to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.
Finally, Paul expresses his love for Christ when he states…
I consider everything [all his earthly successes per the secular view] a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus - Phil 3:7-9
Paul further expresses his desire with respect to his relationship with Christ in chapter 3 verses 10 and 11,
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
This goal or expression of his hearts desire is one of true love for and appreciation of Christ. If Paul had penned a mission statement this might very well have been it.
Paul is expressing a desire to know Christ so deeply, so personally, that he fully understands and appreciates the power Christ has through his resurrection such that Paul’s own sufferings will have a greater meaning and purpose, just like Christ’s suffering did.
Questions we need to ask ourselves are, Does my life follow these principles, would my mission statement be as Christ centered as Paul's, are my daily actions 'worthy of the gospel of Christ’ and at the end of the day will I hear Christ say: good and faithful servant?
Spend some time in prayer and ask God to draw you closer to him, to a deeper relationship with Christ Jesus.
