There is what we do, and there is why we do what we do. The WHY we do something is always more important than the WHAT. As mission-driven individuals, we must constantly evaluate the motivations behind our actions. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns us that not everyone who performs good works in His name will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. This underscores the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will, not just at the start of our mission but throughout its entirety. Our WHY must remain pure and focused on God’s purpose for us.
Consider the example of Google, a company whose original motto was “Don’t be evil.” This was a clear commitment to using technology to improve lives ethically. However, over time, the pressure to maximize profits and satisfy shareholders has led to decisions that many argue betray this original mission. Similarly, our missions can start with a clear and godly purpose but become corrupted by lust, greed, and other sinful desires if we are not vigilant. We must regularly reassess our motivations to ensure we are still driven by the will of the Father, rather than by earthly temptations.
To keep our mission on track, we must engage in constant self-reflection and prayer. Are our actions still in line with God’s will? Have we let worldly desires influence our decisions? It is critical to be clear about what motivates your mission. What starts out as a labour of love can sometimes devolve into greed and nepotism. You begin to misappropriate God’s grace for the work. You begin to seek personal glory. We can avoid becoming “workers of iniquity” and stay true to the divine purpose that led us down this path. We just need to be conscious about forces shaping the mission.
