Purpose, Mission, & vision: A Ship sailing the seven seas
Prov. 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish… In other words, vision, which is received through revelation, is essential to life. Viktor Frankl wrote a book that changed my life, called Man’s Search for Meaning. A summary of this book says, “In Man's Search for Meaning, author Viktor E. Frankl recounts his harrowing experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. While enduring severe hardship and deprivation, Frankl made a powerful observation: some prisoners were still able to find purpose and maintain dignity by nurturing others, upholding ethics, and envisioning life after liberation. Drawing from these experiences, Frankl outlines his logotherapy approach, which centers on the human drive to discover life's meaning.” (Shortform.com) Under such dire circumstances, Viktor Frankl was able to see the relationship between a lack of vision and people perishing quite explicitly and literally. Understanding the difference between and the need for purpose, mission, and vision is necessary for life and life abundantly.
Purpose is the reason why you exist. For instance, one reason I exist is to know God and another is to worship Him. Each of us have universal purposes but we also have individual, specific purposes. According to Starbucks, their specific purpose is “to inspire and nurture the human spirit”. Southwest says their specific purpose is “to connect people to what’s important in their lives”. Here at Classical Tools 4 Change, our specific purpose is “to transform hearts and inspire a deeper connection with God.” You also have a specific purpose tied to your identity that must be revealed to you by God.
Mission, on the other hand, is the actions we take to accomplish our purpose. In order to know God, I study His word and His world and encounter Him. We each must take specific steps designed by God to accomplish our specific purpose. Starbucks accomplishes their mission by “being the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world…one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” Southwest accomplishes it “through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.” Here at Classical Tools 4 Change, “leveraging the classical tools of learning, we equip individuals, teachers, and organizations to think well, speak well, and write well”. Your “how to” plan to walk into your true identity is essential to accomplishing your God-given purpose.
Vision looks to the future and tells us what we hope to achieve and is tied to destiny. It is my destiny to spend eternity with my heavenly Father. However, I have an earthly destiny too and it is essential so that I do not perish. Starbucks’ vision is “to establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow.” Southwest’s vision is “to be the world’s most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline.” Classical Tools 4 Change aims “to cultivate a world where the hearts and minds of all creation are transformed by God through the classical tools of learning.” Understanding your destiny here on Earth is worth seeking.
Purpose, like a ship, is the sails to your mission, and vision is the destination you are headed. The wind is the Holy Spirit guiding you. Without the wind, you can aimlessly bob around on the seven seas of this life, hoping to arrive somewhere, someday. Did you know that your purpose, your mission, and your vision is knowable? Our God wants you to seek Him to find it. Knock and I will answer. Seek and you shall find Me. Starbucks, Southwest, and Classical Tools 4 Change are great examples of business’ defining these terms for you. However, purpose, mission, and vision are not just for the life of a business. As individuals, we need to know who we are, what our purpose is, how we carry out that purpose, and the vision that God has for us for our future. Without knowing these, we perish. Join us at the Worker Bee Podcast as we discuss these essentials for life and how to discover them for yourselves!