The Filter

E/MS^2 + Y(RA/TC) – V = APS.

While this might look like a ridiculous equation for calculating the average platypus speed under various conditions, it is actually the framework for understanding why we do what we do.

(Everything divided by the Mission Statement squared plus why times the realistic application over time constraint minus Velveeta equals an acceptable, pleasing sacrifice.)

That is the filter through which we try to run every program, every event, every environment, and every project.  Does everything we do flow through this equation mentally?  We’d like to think so.  With new ideas and projects constantly jumping up, we must have a way to filter those things and decide on which are most likely to be worth our time.  Clearly we must know why we are working before we decide what we are working on.  Lots of projects get done because we always did them that way, many events occur because we are supposed to do them, right?

We do the Big Deal because we believe in equipping and empowering families.  Our mission is to reach and transform them into servants of Jesus Christ.  That sits as the mission statement.

The why is why this particular event or project.  Asking why is critical.  Lots of possibilities fit in the Mission Statement, why helps to sift them.

Realistic application over time constraint means we don’t have all the time in the world so we try to be realistic in how much we can do in the given time.  Just don’t let that be an excuse. If it’s worth doing, find time or plan farther ahead.

All of that minus Velveeta, you know that cheesy cheese that makes people in the south say, “Bless his heart.”  Planned cheese, silly puns, obvious jokes are great for us.  We think a groan is as good as a laugh.  Velveeta is the person who doesn’t realize what they are doing is dripping with cheese.

The acceptable, pleasing sacrifice comes from Philippians 4:18, where Paul states that the gifts from the Philippian church are a “sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.” Our prayer is that every project, event, program… everything is something that pleases God.

That is the filter, you are welcome to use it, let it be a part of all program and event decisions every time.

Ask this question.  Does everyone on your team know what the mission is and why it is the mission?  There are a million things vying for your time.  It’s easy to get caught in the tyranny of the urgent.  But the work you are doing is too important, and the time in a week is just too short to not to use filter.