January 23, 2026

Business by the Book

Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

In order to accomplish something great with any group of people a mission statement is vital. Mission statements are very popular; almost every organization has one. However they are largely overlooked, mothballed, inconsequential, or simply something used for marketing purposes.

A mission statement is the overriding goal of the organization. It is not necessarily the plan, but rather the result of the plan. In Genesis 11 the mission statement was to build a tower that will go all the way to Heaven, make a name, to protect us from being scattered. Their plan was to make brick and use slime for mortar to build this tower. It was a good plan, as far as building a tower is concerned. In fact they were so well prepared that the Lord God said, …now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. (Genesis 11:6)  Their mission statement was clear, concise, and to the point. It related the work they wanted to do, how they would do it, and why it should be completed.

At the beginning of every group there is some type of mission statement created. Whether it be formal or informal, there is a reason, a purpose, and a mission to accomplish which states why the group was formed. Oftentimes however that purpose of existing begins to be overlooked, forgotten, or changed entirely.

Years ago I read a story of a little life saving station on the edge of Lake Michigan. It was situated on an area of the lake where many drownings took place. Over the years the lifesaving station became a popular hangout, boats began to gather there for social purposes, food and beverage began to be served there, after a while it was a full-fledged boat club. The idea of being life guards became an afterthought. One night there was a ship sinking in the area and there were no life guards trained, prepared, or on duty to help the poor drowning victims. The lifesaving station was still there, but it was not fulfilling its original purpose and people lost their lives unnecessarily. This happened because the overall mission of the group was lost in its day to day activities.

Endeavor to keep the mission statement visible, relevant (alter it if need be), and ever present in the minds of the group. And remember, aim for nothing and you’ll hit it every time.

Dr. William Howe