In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps stole the spotlight as he broke record after record. Yet buried beneath in the news cycle was the story of the USA Men’s and Women’s relay teams who lost because they dropped the baton during their respective races. In a relay race, every second counts and passing the baton is crucial.

We are also in a race and as we pass the baton from one generation to the next, we must realize the importance of ensuring a proper hand-off. We must put the mission in motion! Today is the day of salvation! Right now is the accepted time! We must work while it is yet day for when night comes, no one will be able to work anymore! If we expect to accomplish God’s divine purpose, the mission must be put into motion TODAY!

It’s not commotion!

Simply put, commotion means, “noisy confusion.” Too many start making noise about the mission and think that their busyness equals productivity; however, it doesn’t! Don’t be confused into thinking that commotion is motion. Receive a clear understanding of the mission and do your part to fulfill it TODAY!

Talk is cheap. Jesus challenged the religious asking them, “Why do you call me Lord, but do not do what I am saying?”[1] Your mission – your purpose – is not just talking about it, but rather doing it! Nike™ had it right with their slogan, Just Do It!™

It’s not emotion!

While we must be excited about the mission, that excitement must translate into action. Many get excited at church, but by the time they pull out of the parking lot, they’ve lost their zeal. Jesus told Peter that after he was converted to strengthen his brothers. We too must move from conviction to conversion and put the mission in motion TODAY!

Emotionalism plagues Christians. I see too many people waiting for goose bumps to go up and down their arm before they proclaim they “feel” God in something. God never changes and is omnipresent – everywhere always! Where can you go that God is not? NOWHERE! Don’t be hooked on a feeling, or you’ll be disappointed and you will not fulfill your purpose.

It’s not promotion!

We must proclaim things by every means possible, yet we must not become satisfied that this is enough. Promotion alone offers no comfort when the headlines are full of sinfulness in our society. We cannot afford to pat ourselves on the back because we created a clear PowerPoint™ presentation about putting the mission in motion. If you’re not fulfilling your purpose passionately, then you’re promotion is in vain.

I submit that until we hear Him say “well done” we should stop promoting anything and everything except Jesus Christ and Him crucified! This is what the Apostles did and they turned their world upside down. Besides, no flesh will glory in His presence anyway.[2]

It is MOTION!

It is action! We must arise and shine for our light has come! Darkness covers our schools. Darkness covers our neighborhoods. Darkness covers our communities. We are the light of the world. We are the salt of the earth. We must put the mission in motion!

We cannot just listen to the preacher; we must make the message come alive through our lifestyle. We cannot just talk about giving of our time, talent, and treasure; we must sacrifice and give cheerfully.

I cannot answer for you, but as for me and my house, I will not just make a commotion about the mission. I will not just get emotional about the mission. I will not just promote the mission. I HAVE PUT THE MISSION IN MOTION!

Join me TODAY!

[1] Luke 6:46

[2] 1 Corinthians 1:29