You may have heard the phrase “imitation is the highest form of flattery.” True, unless someone is imitating the worst of you. As a parent I know this all to well. Especially when my kids were younger, I would see them take the worst of me, imitate it, and multiply it times 10 in their lives. I quickly learned that “do as I say, not as I do” was not a formula for success in parenting. For that matter, it is not a form of success for any area of life.
The formula for success is simple, be authentic. Get your lifestyle in line with your words. Make sure your actions reflect your values. Quit taking yourself so seriously. Learn to laugh a little, especially at yourself. And most important, always take your mission seriously. I’ve learned to not take myself so serious, but to always take God and His mission and purpose for my life as His masterpiece very serious.
Taking Your Life Mission Seriously
1. You’ve Got To Catch It
If you’re not sure about a life mission or vision, that’s the starting point. Beyond having a personal understanding it has to become a part of your DNA. So much so that you wake up every morning knowing that God has given you another day for this distinct purpose. When you truly catch a glimpse of the mission God has created for in this life you will be amazed at how much more vigor and enthusiasm you have each day for living.
2. You’ve Got To Live It
Live your mission with such a passion that other people wonder what you are up to. I remember as a kid getting into the cookie jar and trying to hide it from my mom. Somehow, the expression on my face gave me away. There was so much joy in eating that cookie that mom would look at my face and ask “what are you up to”? Live your mission to that level. Let them wonder why you are so full of life.
3. You’ve Got To Give It
I you “live it” right, then people around you will want to be a part. At the very least they will want to know how you are able to live with such clarity and purpose. Always be willing to share, to help, remembering that no only has God created you to live as His masterpiece, but the person who is looking on with wonder and a desire for the same thing is also created as His masterpiece. You can help them along the way, and that will only add more value to the mission and vision you are living out for yourself.
Check out Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:15-16 : “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, (Caught it – living it) always be ready to explain it. (Giving it) But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” (NLT)