Mission Drift

"No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light." Lk 8:16

In recent years, churches, not for profit movements and companies have been begun to reflect on what is called "mission drift," a concept that helps them focus first on their foundational goals and only secondarily on the monies needed to accomplish that purpose. When a organizations recognize mission drift and address it, they become more more to oversee their expenses more intently and keep moving forward towards their goals.

Though it is always dangerous to disagree with Jesus, experience teaches us that there are people and organizations who forget to put their lights on lampstands so that everyone can benefit. Worse, some of them hoard their resources. Not only do they light lamps that only benefit them, they cling to money and resources far beyond their need because they can and convince themselves that they have earned whatever they have and it belongs to them. This attitude impoverishes everyone, including theose "rich" those rich churches and people who Jesus reminds us will have a very hard time entering the Kingdom of God.

Thank God, however, most people do put lamps on lampstands so that everyone in the house or world can see. Because they take time to honestly ask themselves whether they are drifting from their mission, they are able to remember that everything they have is a gift to be shared with those who have little, and that gratitude is the mark of every believer.

Today, asking yourself is your faith is "drifting."

What are the best tools you know for avoiding "mission drift?"