Lessons from M3 Camp
Recap: “Beginning with the End in Mind: Living on Mission”
Text: 2 Timothy 4:6–8
This past week at youth camp in Glorieta reminded me again how deeply camp has shaped my walk with the Lord. Over nearly 30 years, it’s been a place where God consistently meets me, stretches me, and renews me. This year was no different. And as I reflected on what God taught us at camp, I realized these lessons weren’t just for students—they were for all of us. So instead of sticking with my original sermon plan, I felt led to bring the message God gave us this week, because it’s that important.
Lesson 1: Begin with the End in Mind
As I looked at Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, I was struck by his clarity about the end of his life. He saw death not as defeat, but as a departure—like a ship setting sail toward something far better. He endured incredible hardship, but he stayed the course because he had the finish line in sight. He lived every moment with eternity in mind.
That challenged me to ask: Am I living with heaven in view? At camp, we used a puzzle as an illustration—you can’t build a puzzle without the picture on the box. Paul had a picture: heaven. That picture guided every step of his journey. And I realized, we all need that eternal vision to give us clarity and purpose in the here and now.
Lesson 2: Know Your Mission
Paul didn’t just live with the end in mind—he lived with a clear mission. After encountering Jesus, he never wavered. He knew his life was about proclaiming the gospel, and everything he did was filtered through that mission.
At camp, we had a lot of conversations about what our personal missions are. Students talked about their activities and interests, but many hadn’t thought about how those things connect to the gospel. That convicted me. Our mission isn’t something we make up—it’s something we receive from God.
I saw examples all around me: people using nursing, teaching, and even hosting exchange students as platforms for the gospel. It reminded me that God has given each of us a specific mission, and we’re called to live it out faithfully. So I asked myself again: What’s my mission? And am I using it for eternal purposes?
Lesson 3: Run with Purpose
Paul described his life as a fight, a race, and a test of faith. He didn’t drift through life. He fought for truth, endured trials, and stayed faithful. That’s the kind of purpose I want to live with.
He didn’t say he won the race—he said he finished it. That stood out to me. Finishing well isn’t automatic. It takes discipline, focus, and commitment. If I want to run with purpose, I need to throw off distractions and fix my eyes on Jesus, just like Paul did.
Lesson 4: Live for the Reward
Paul ends the passage with a beautiful reminder: there is a crown waiting for him—and for all who love Jesus. That crown isn’t about achievement; it’s about faithfulness. It’s the joy of hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
That’s what I want most in life. That’s the goal. And that reward is worth every sacrifice, every act of obedience, every step of the journey.
My Final Challenge
So here’s where it all comes together: What’s my mission? If I can’t write it down, I’m probably drifting. If I’ve forgotten it, I need to come back to it. I was made for more than survival. I was made for a mission. I was made for eternity.
Maybe you’re like some of our students at camp—ready to draw a line in the sand and commit to following Jesus more fully. Or maybe you’ve never trusted Him, and today is the day you realize that true purpose starts with surrendering your life to Christ. Wherever you are, I hope you’ll join me in living each day with eternity in mind, on mission for the things that truly matter.
Let’s begin each day with the end in mind.