Matthew 28:19-20:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This is known as the ‘Great Commission,” God’s calling to believers. It is the words of Jesus himself to the disciples. Many people (myself formerly included) take this to mean that those ‘called into missions’ should take this advice. What we forget to realize is that as believers, we are all ‘called,’ and we all live in a ‘nation.’ EVERY SINGLE BELIEVER should be living a ‘missional’ life and should be discipling those around them. We too often get caught up in the semantics of the modern church, many times to the detriment of our own testimonies.
Being a missionary is not something you are called to. It is who you ARE. If you have given your life to Christ and you fully believe and accept all that He has promised you, then how could you NOT live your life in His words. Does that mean that we are made perfect, that we will never mess up? NO- it means we get to use our brokenness and sin as an example of His unfailing grace. Does it mean that everyone should travel the world and go on ‘mission trips?’ NO- it means live like Christ wherever you are! Does it mean we have to mention the name of Jesus in every conversation? NO- it means live your life as an example. Follow the path of Christ in all that you do.
God did not create all of us the same, and neither are all our paths the same. But what IS the same- is the gospel. The gospel of Christ should be so engrained in your life that it is just pouring out of you at all times. Jesus used metaphors and stories and so can you- what IS required is that you “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:14-16)
In preparing for the world race, so many people want to know how I got my call to missions, and what other mission trips I have gone on, and it’s not that I can’t answer those questions- there are many moments in my life that I can point to and say God worked on me here, God opened the door- there are times in my life where I have very distinctly heard the voice of my God. It’s not because He called me to be a missionary though. It’s because He has a plan for me and I want to follow it. I know I am not perfect, I know I am not worthy, I know I am not strong enough, but He has made me in His image. He has chosen me and I have accepted. I will live it, and I will own it.
I AM A MISSIONARY.
and so are YOU. People you see every day, those are your disciples and disciplers. Your place of work, your home- that is your mission field. LIVE IT.
Kim
