Answer the call
We just concluded a Missions Convention at our church. For the past two weeks we have had Missionaries come and share with us about their work in foreign countries. It is one of the highlights for me, to listen to the testimonies and great stories of these men and women, who have answered the call to share the gospel in a foreign land.
It is easy for us to listen to the great stories and wish that we too, could be missionaries somewhere wonderful like maybe Italy, Hawaii or the Bahamas. But being an ambassador for Christ is not always glamourous. In fact, in order to be a missionary, one must be willing to serve.
Not only do missionaries have to be willing to serve, they must also lower themselves to “slave” position.
Matthew 20:26-28 “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (27) and whoever wants to be first, must be your slave – (28) just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
If any of us want to do great, significant things in the Kingdom of God, we may be required to be insignificant, unknown, maybe even a nobody on earth. Missionaries often go places where there are no other Christians, no other Missionaries, no welcoming wagon or bright, blinking billboards with their names on them. Often times, they have to start at the bottom to rise to the top in spreading the Word of God. They have to earn favor with government officials and they have to learn a whole new environment. They indeed are often the only one of their kind in the places that they go.
Slaves are often spit upon, beaten, abused and given the worst jobs. Missionaries are indeed slaves, as many suffer this and more. Surely Missionaries are called to go, but I believe that the call blooms from a desire to serve. To serve is to put others before yourself. Why else would one give up the luxuries of home, the taste of a flame broiled Burger-King burger, running water and a comfortable bed to sleep in?
Mark 9:33 “They came to Capernaum. When He was in the house, He asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ (34) But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. (35) Sitting down, Jesus called the twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all. (36) He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in His arms, He said to them (37) ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome me but the One Who sent Me.’ “
Have you ever felt spit upon ? Ever felt beaten up? Ever felt isolated, like you were the only believer at your work place or school or even in your home? I have.
I guess you and I aren’t much different than a missionary. Actually, we ALL have been called to missions. No need for a passport or learning a foreign language. ALL of us have been called to be a missionary right where we are, if only we would be willing to serve.
How about you …are you willing?
Bless you my friend.
You are right, Laurie; we are all missionaries. No matter where God places us, we are to share the love God gave us.