To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7
I’ve recently been reflecting on a warped view of missionaries that I used to have when I was younger. And up until recently I have tried to live up to the expectations of this warped view. The title above really encompasses the main point of this whole blog post: Missionaries are not the Christian elite.
FOR WE ALL STUMBLE IN MANY WAYS…
(James 3:2)
There has been this spirit of tension prowling around me for a while now. I observed the detriment of it as soon as I realized I am not where I wanted or expected to be spiritually before leaving for the mission field. At first it was disappointing, but then the humbling truth set in. I had already fixed in my mind the requirements for being a missionary. This would include but not be limited to an hour reading regiment daily, 1 to 3 hours of prayer daily, completed patience, impeccable fitness and health, perfected self-control, and the obvious sharing the gospel 10 times a week. Essentially, all my biggest failings completely reversed.
I am far from emulating the holiness and perfection of Christ… and so is everyone else. We are never chosen OR sent according to our closeness to godliness. How many times have we heard, quoted, or read Mark 2:17? He sends those who he has chosen, and the ones who he chosen are the ones that are in need. Just like any of the saints of scripture (Moses, Paul, Elijah, Peter, etc.) a missionary is like any other Christian: a broken person being sanctified by God and being used to further His Kingdom for His name’s sake.
HIS DIVINE POWER HAS GRANTED TO US ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS…
(2 Peter 1:3)
To those whom He has made himself known to, are we not also His children? And to those whom He has called to be His bride, are we not also each indwelt with the same Holy Spirit of power? “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
We have all been adopted and we have all been given the privilege to co-labor with God in the growing of this family. Giftings look different, sure, but they all serve in illuminating the dark places and hearts on this earth (Matthew 5:16).
I know that there are some out there that are thinking to themselves,
“I’m just not good at evangelism”,
“[fill in the blank] is more of my gift”,
“I’m just not good at words”,
or “I don’t know enough”
I get it; I do, because I have made every single one of those statements myself. But the issue with those statements is the focus. Notice that each one of them centers around you (“I”, “my”, and “I’m”). Not only do they center around you, but they focus on your weakness. We were once trapped and in bondage, but we have a new King now. I first would like to encourage you out there to read Matthew 10. Check out the centrality on Christ and the focus on His power here. Though you are flesh and bones, you are not MERELY flesh and bones. Inside of you is the Spirit of God, the same Spirit that conquered death, hell, and the grave!
Consider a new song, speak truth over yourself, and claim these true promises:
Our Father is good at bringing people to Himself, (John 6:44)
Every gift is His, every gift comes from Him, (James 1:17)
The Spirit gives words (2 Samuel 23:2; Matthew 10:20; Luke 12:12; Luke 21:15, Exodus 4:12)
The Word and the fear of God gives wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 9:10; 2 Timothy 3:15; Deuteronomy 11:18-19; Joshua 1:8)
Related Materials
Song: “Alive in You” by Jesus Culture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp-kT3Pl3tw
Article: “We’re All Misfits” by Sally and Joel Clarkson
