Are we part of the mission or do we need mission?

“What we can say for certain is that, at least,

God has called every Christian to live with a

missionary heart

-David Sills

“Missions are carried out in places of extreme poverty”, “That call is for a few”, “I contribute to that work with my missionary offering”, “There is too much to do here to go somewhere else”. I have heard statements similar to these during my years of growing up within the context of the Church. He saw the mission of the Church as a limited task. I thought that living serving in the work of Christ 24/7 was the responsibility of certain groups, or people with specific callings. Until a few years ago I came across several questions : what if God was calling me to live a life on mission? How did you involve me in this very important task, for which I have been called? What can I do differently to reach those around me? Is the call for a few or does it involve us all? Little by little I began to understand that each of us is called to do mission (to reach others). Otherwise, we are in need of a mission (to be reached by others). There is no intermediate point between one extreme or the other. I am convinced that the task of the Great Commission is not for a few, but for everyone who is part of the body of Christ [the Church].

The concept we know as “ missions ” is used to refer to the expansion of the Gospel in a cultural context that will be different from ours (or that of the missionary). Indeed, there are Christians with a missionary calling. Which have been chosen to settle in a certain place where there will be a cultural impact or shock. All this in order to bring the gospel to those who have not had or have little access to it. On the other hand, how do I do (or am) a mission if I do not have that calling? Without a doubt, it is possible to live on mission in the “common” context in which God has placed each of us.

We must focus our gaze on the kingdom purposes that were established by God before the foundation of the world. No matter where we are, we have a purpose there. In that place there is a need for God. In that space others need to hear and see what God did, has done, and will continue to do. God wants to use “common” people, people like you and me. Ordinary people, to carry out extraordinary works. To the extent that we can understand that we have been created with purpose, we will begin to see things through a different lens. Fulfilling and being part of God's mission on earth is part of the purpose for which we have been created. When we collide with the cross, and the sacrifice of Jesus begins to make sense in our lives, we experience a transformation that is constant. This transformation will be visible among those we surround ourselves with, and it will be significant, because through it we will be able to have positive or negative contact with those who do not know God. When we understand the importance of what we have been called to do, we will begin to live (take actions and act) knowing that everything we do will or will not give glory to God. We must never lose perspective that we were created to worship, so that our lives reflect His glory.

I have no doubt that, at the end of the day, anyone who wishes to be a follower of Christ must deny themselves, and take up their cross, and follow Him. Since, by denying ourselves, we give first place to God. In this way we yield to the purposes of God, and diminish our desires. For God looks for hearts that are willing to please him, and to fulfill his perfect will. People with hearts willing to give themselves, to pay the price, wherever these faithful are. Faithful followers willing to live a life on mission.

Photo: Missionary trip to Haiti (July 2019)