Missions. This is a word that we hear only once in awhile at most churches. We might have a missions conference for a few weeks once a year where we will talk about what God is doing throughout the world, but we don’t hear about it much more than that. So is it important that we learn about missions? And, if so, why is it important?
1. It is God’s Heart
God loves the Nations. It is His mission that they know and glorifying Him. This is His heart – that we may know His love and grace through Jesus Christ and thus glorifying him through our thoughts, words, and actions.
2. It is God’s Mission for the Church – Thus Our Responsibility
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” ~ Matthew 28:19-20a
So, if this is God’s heart (and He has given this mission to His church) we, as a church, should not shirk this responsibility that God has graciously entrusted to us.
Think of it this way, God has given us, imperfect human beings, the opportunity, challenge, and ability to carry out part of His perfect plan for the world. What an amazing and huge privilege!
If this is His mission for us, it should be at the forefront of our minds – not stuffed in the corner to be pulled out every year when missions conference time comes around.
3. We Need to Know How to Accomplish This Mission
Now we know that missions is God’s heart and He has gifted us with this responsibility, but how are we supposed to do something without knowing what it is or how to do it?
Are we all supposed to go across the world and tell people about Jesus? What exactly is missions anyway? What can I, as a student or young person, do? I can’t just drop everything and leave!
No, not everyone is called to leave their home and preach the gospel around the world. Maybe, some of us will go when we graduate, but most of us will stay and serve the Lord where we are.
Even as students, there is plenty to keep us busy! We can learn about God’s mission for the world and pray for those who have never heard. We can also encourage those who are on the field by praying for them, by sending them letters of encouragement, and by welcoming them when they return, making them feel at home, and by listening to what they have to say when they come to visit.
Also, as a side note, we can learn from and be encouraged by the missionaries who have lived and worked on the field. It is amazing to see the ways that God has used them for His kingdom. My faith has been strengthened and my vision renewed every time I talk to missionaries.
I want to challenge you today to not just walk away from this post and forget about it. I want to challenge you to learn about God’s great plan to glorify Himself through missions and to pray for those who have not heard the gospel and are living in darkness.
Speak Your Mind