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This week’s practice will help you craft a “Work As Worship” mission statement that pertains to the work you do. It’s easy to become robotic in what we do each day without considering how God is interacting with others in the world through the work we do. Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, rather than people.”
In this practice, take some time alone and then as a community to craft a mission statement that helps you navigate your daily work, whether that is in the work field or at home. Jesus knew his mission statement. Jesus returned home to Nazareth where he attended Sabbath worship in the synagogue. After receiving a scroll of the book of the prophet Isaiah, Jesus read the following verses aloud:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Luke 4:18-19
This passage from Isaiah serves as Jesus’s mission statement. It reveals Jesus’s identity and purpose as the Christ. So, if we want to know what Jesus is all about, we do well to take a closer look at his mission statement.
Before you begin to enter into this practice,
- Find a space that allows you to get rid of any distractions. Sometimes playing soft instrumental music in the background helps bring focus in your worship time.
- Begin this practice with prayer. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power and presence.
Write down answers to these questions.
- How would you define the work you do?
- What particular skills, abilities, or passions do you bring to your work?
- What does it look like, feel like, sound like when you do your work well? (These could be random words or phrases to describe the experience.)
- (If applicable, and if you know it) What is your company’s mission statement?
- How does your work help people, contribute to society, or make the world a better place?
- How has God used you for his purposes in your working day?
- Are there particular people, people-groups, or types of outreach that you think your work could benefit in a God-inspired way?
While there’s no particular formula, and you might bring other factors into it, consider how you might put together some of your responses into a 1–3 sentence Work Mission Statement.
Examples:
As the owner of a coffee shop, my mission is to provide a quality product and a relaxing atmosphere for my customers, a fair salary and opportunities for growth for my employees, and fair-market wages for those workers overseas who supply our raw materials. My work enables people to provide for their families and creates an environment where people can come together in community. I seek to display God’s compassion and grace to all I serve.
Or, if you aren’t an owner or manager,
Working as a receptionist at a doctor’s office, my mission is to provide peace, comfort, and order to people who are suffering, worried, or confused. My work enables the medical staff to use their healing gifts effectively. I seek to radiate God’s love as I do this.
Be willing to share your Work as Worship Mission Statement in community or with your family. It’s also very helpful to do this as a family. Craft a Family Work as Worship Mission Statement.
