A MISSION STATEMENT!

A MISSION STATEMENT!

Jer 29:7

7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord  for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

          My daughter attends a church near Waco whose mission statement is, “Seeking the Welfare of the city by transforming individuals through loving God, loving others and serving the world.” I never paid that much mind until I came across the above verse in my own devotions this morning.

          As believers we are “strangers and pilgrims” in this world. We live like captives because we are not “home” yet. We can either complain or we can make a positive influence in our city. If we were to adopt the above verse as a basis for a mission statement, what would be the specific ways in which we could seek the peace of our city?

          We seek peace through evangelism! I’m not talking about the week-long revivals that happen once or twice per year but the day-by-day effort to make disciples of the lost. Are we sharing our faith in the city? Do we search for, and pray for, opportunities to explain the salvation process? Are we kind about it; not pointing out sin but pointing to the Savior? Do we create a thirst for God by our saltiness? Our city will know peace directly in proportion to their relationship with God!

         We seek peace through Samaritan projects! A Samaritan project is one in which we provide relief to the suffering. Yes, I know there are those who make it their profession to prey upon churches so that they can continue their selfish lifestyles. Nevertheless there are those who find themselves beaten and bloodied by life and need a boost. Deep and serious prayer is needed so that we may know how to properly respond to the needs of others.

          We seek peace through community involvement! Rather than complain that the school board is immoral and ignorant we should encourage godly church members to run for that office and make a difference. If the city seems to have lost its moral direction, we should run for city council to help guide the way. Above all we should pray for the community, for its economic development, for its schools and its culture.

          We seek peace through example! If our neighborhood is “run down,” we must keep our properties clean, attractive and well maintained. Perhaps it will encourage others to do the same.

          We seek peace through personal holiness! Liquor stores would soon close if they had no customers! Let us support those businesses that promote a godly climate in our city. Let us be a godly influence at work, at the PTA meetings, at the Little League ball park, at the restaurants. Be kind to your waitress! Her feet probably hurt and she smells like a hamburger when she goes home!

Dear Lord, when I am tempted to complain, let me remember that my mission is to seek the peace and welfare of my city. AMEN