How Do I Discover My Mission in Life? - Life's Two Most Important Questions
Man on a Mission
Last week the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills on their way to Super Bowl LV. This might mean the second Super Bowl Ring in a row for this week’s guest on the Men in the Arena Podcast.
Dan Meers is a man on a mission since 1986 when he began his unique career. He goes to work every day like any other man, dressed in a suit, but instead of wearing a tie, Dan wears a tail. You see, Dan is known as KC Wolf, the official mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs.
We interviewed Dan about his newest book, Mascot on a Mission.
Lost in the Bubble
Many of the guys I run into daily are lost and confused in the midst of the overwhelming Stress Bubble years of working hard, loving his bride, and raising a family. A guy like that can barely catch his breath, let alone figure out the purpose of his life. But he MUST figure it out to become his best version for God.
But a man is more than his career. What you do does not define who you are. Rather, who you are should determine what you do. Refuse to choose a life path based on outside factors such as money, security, fame, or success. Find your sweet spot. You only live once.
In his book, Dan writes, “Your identity is tied directly to whatever you give your heart to. Ultimately your identity will be tied to what you love the most.”
For the Christian man, that has to be Jesus Christ. In that case, a man can boldly ask the two most important questions in life.
Question 1: Who am I?
In 1978 the rock band, The Who wrote one of my favorite classic rock songs titled "Who Are You,” which also happened to be the title track of their album, Who Are You.
So, my friend, who are you?
Every man who deeply desires God’s best must answer this question of questions.
Let me rephrase the question before you trap yourself in some generic Christian cliché. Besides being a child of God, how has God uniquely crafted you? How are you a gift to this world? The answer to this question is found in your hand. In the story of God calling Moses out of a burning bush to lead the captive Israelite nation’s Exodus, God asks Moses “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2).
What SHAPE are you in?
What happened next changed history. So, what is in YOUR hand? I propose that there are five things that clearly identify who you are. I recommend Rick Warren’s, A Purpose Driven Life and Rick Rees’, SHAPE: Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life.
The answer to the five-fold SHAPE acrostic will help answer life’s most important question.
What are my spiritual gifts? Romans 12 says, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware… Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (Verses 1, 4-7)”
What is my heart? Dan Meers asks, “Have you discovered your passion?” Take a moment to make your passion list now.
What are my learned and natural abilities? What are you good at? What do people seek your help for?
What is my unique personality or temperament? Hippocrates (460–370 BC) developed it into a medical theory, believing certain human moods, emotions, and behaviors were caused by body fluids: blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. Tim Lahaye wrote a great book about this called, Spirit-Controlled Temperament. I also highly recommend Florence Littauer’s similar book, Personality Plus.
Lastly, what key personal experiences comprise my history? God never wastes a hurt (Romans 8:28) and loves to turn your mess into your message. I encourage you to build a timeline of your life with major life experiences highlighting it to better understand past events that have impacted you.
Question 2: Why am I here?
In 1997, at 32 years old, I crafted the first draft of my life mission statement. I have been impressed at its integrity over the years. It is a goal. It is a passion. It a mission. It is a target. These 44 words have been my compass:
To glorify God with my spiritual shape; letting Him mold me through humility into His image, loving my family through honor, living every day to the fullest with courageous abandon, leading others with grace, and leaving a legacy through writing, speaking, and changed lives.
What about you?
Boots on the Ground: Why are YOU here?
Let me help you answer the second question. Tune in for next week’s Men in the Arena Podcast as I teach you how to use your SHAPE to craft a personal mission statement.