It’s easy to think of missions occurring in far off lands, probably in a sweaty jungle or on a remote island. Missionaries are special people, to be certain, bravely living out the call of Jesus. But when we personalize it a bit we tend to grow uncomfortable. We’re not missionaries, we’re just ordinary folks. Mission work is for men in animal skins and women in hand woven sweaters. Where did we ever come up with such ideas?
It is amazing to me to see how many religious traditions we have come up with over the years, most of which seem to cater to our comfort. Jesus told all believers to carry His message to the world, to teach about Him, to bathe people in God’s Holy Spirit; this is the mission He gave to us. So you see we are all missional; we are all missionaries to the world. Your mission field is before you; it is all around you. Each of us is responsible to take the good news of Jesus Christ, the love of God, to everyone with whom we come into contact. Your place of employment is your mission field. Your neighborhood is your mission field. Your city is your mission field. Jesus sent each one of us to go and tell, and if we are to be followers of Christ, it’s about time we get to the going and the telling.
So how are you doing with your mission? Do your co-workers see any difference between you and anyone else? Are you demonstrating integrity in all of your activities? Are you performing every task with excellence? How about your neighbors; are you demonstrating love to them every time you see one another? Do you actually even know your neighbor’s name? What are you doing for your city? Are you volunteering your time to love those less fortunate than yourself? Are you rallying for justice for those who have no voice in the government?
We were created for a purpose. We were told to go and teach everyone about Jesus, to show His love to one and all. We were called to a mission. If we are to be called followers of Christ, then His mission is our mission. For too long we have watched the minutes pass by without being on mission. We have watched the seconds tick away while one more dies in sin. Tick…tick…tick. What are you doing today to fulfill the mission that Christ has given you? I am a missionary and so are you. Start with your neighbor; get to know them, come along side of them, and love them. One small act of love can transform a nation. Do your part; do not miss out on this grand adventure. We are the church; we are the hands and feet of God. We are the called.