Biblical Success = Running Our Race - Guide Unto Our PathSample

Many years ago I attended a seminar taught by the very popular author, Dr. Steven Covey, who wrote one of the most successful professional development books of all time; Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. Little did I know that just one gem that I gleaned from that day would still be impacting my life over 30 years later, in fact to this very day. It is the concept of defining and creating a personal Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Mission Statement that is clear, concise, memorable, and can be used as a practical decision-making tool for important God-honoring life issues.

I had been advocating and teaching that such a document was super-helpful in creating alignment, consistent decision-making, and enhanced accountability in organizations for years. But for some reason, I had never personalized the practice.

In retrospect, I can see God’s perfect timing in this event as He knew His plan for me and the changes coming to my life very soon. Changes that would lead to starting the C12 Group (now C12 Business Forums), which He would grow into a global force for discipling Christian business owners and CEOs. He knew that I would need a personal “true north” as He led me through some desert times and into what has certainly been my sweet spot and His calling in my life.

I will share the basic (SOP) with you as it stands today, after 30+ years. And then we will move through some detail through the additional articulation of specific roles that have been like a supercharger in the effectiveness of my SOP. The following is my Statement of Purpose. It is offered not as some sort of a “Gold Standard” but just as a real example for study and discussion.and perhaps for refining as you comment! (Be gentle I am old!)

“My purpose is: To be used up for God as I completely fulfill His plan for my life, and to honor God through obedience in allowing Him to live His Life through me as; Husband, Father, Grandfather & Minister (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria , the ends of the earth).”

That’s it. Simple, clear and easy to remember. To me this is almost generic. I sensed that I needed more definition to make it more applicable and God provided it. As we roll in this study I will share how that works. But for today, do you have something like a “north star” for your life? We only have one life to live. Only one chance to get it right. If clarity is so helpful organizationally wouldn’t be reasonable to be even more so personally? Think about it.