“You’re so brave, I would/could never do that.”
“That’s not for everyone, it’s a specific calling for sure. but I’m proud of you for doing it, I’m glad someone does.”
The number of times I’ve been told something like this as I’m preparing for a foreign mission, is too many to count.
These words are meant to compliment/flatter me. They’re meant to show that they support me & that they agree with what I’m doing. They’re meant to encourage me.
They are kind, and CAN be said in a pure hearted way — but these words send up red flags in my mind. {**I also would like to add- I’m not deserving of ANY of these words.}
I appreciate every ounce of love, kindness, and support I’m shown – ALWAYS. I just feel there’s danger in this specific outlook. Danger as in – this very stance is costing millions of people to lack access to the Gospel.
I see these comments as delegation out of fear or disinterest.
Let’s start with the brave comment.
This comment is only dangerous depending on the context of it.
I am NOT saying that missionaries in the darkest of places facing extreme persecution aren’t brave and bold witnesses for Christ —they ARE.
Losing your life for the sake of the gospel is a safe bet eternally – but it’s still brave to do so.
The issue I have with the brave comment is specific to WHY I have been undeservingly called brave in the past.
I’m called brave for going without WiFi for weeks at a time.
I’m called brave because I’m an extremely picky eater but I go on these trips anyway.
I’m called brave because where I stay is less than 5 star.
I’m called brave because I spend many hours on airplanes.
I’m called brave because I go to places where they don’t speak English and the culture is radically different than ours.
All of these things are absolutely MICROSCOPIC sacrifices or struggles in comparison to what Christ has done for us. And honestly, they’re S I L L Y. We’re so spoiled and drowned in comfort it’s insane. *myself included, for sure*
What does this say about our faith?
What does this say about our “surrendering our lives”?
If we’re not willing to do the small things, or even the big things for God – do we truly believe He is who He says He is?
Do we just say it? Or do we live it?
Aren’t we called to be brave, bold, and passionate? It should be a norm in the Christian community. Why is it abnormal?
there’s absolutely nothing wrong with calling someone brave for going into danger and being bold anyway – but don’t call them brave to distance yourself from the personal call on your own life.
{I know I’m being repetitive – but I just want you to see the red flags waving.}
Next – the ‘calling’ comment.
“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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20
The great commission has been turned into the great suggestion. That’s because people think ‘missions’ only take place overseas & they don’t want any part of that. They also think ministry is for those specifically called to work in a church building.
The call to make disciples is for all Christians.
•true disciples MAKE disciples•
However, something that NEEDS to be said is this: “all nations” includes America!!!
People think that Matt 28:19-20 is saying we all must leave our home country and go to a third world country to be living that out. False. We should be WILLING.. but there is ministry to be done everywhere.
The point is – missions aren’t about location at all. Missions are about love and evangelism and outreach.
I truly and deeply believe that America needs the gospel just as much as the most persecuted places on earth. Nominal Christianity is deceiving a terrifyingly large number of people in America – but, they are just as lost as ones in places like Somalia who have never heard. We’ve got to stop counting the number of churches on every corner and checking these places off as reached and recognize that church nor religion saves – only Jesus does, and many Sunday regulars do not know Him.
But — the reason I have an issue with the calling comment is this. Jesus has called us ALL to be disciples making disciples. That’s an everyday job for every believer.
We do have different passions, and different roles in kingdom work – but all for the same purpose.
If you feel the Lord has instilled in you a passion for those who have heard but don’t yet understand, or even who have been deceived by a watered down gospel, praise God for that passion – and God can use you in big ways for His kingdom, right where you live, in America.
But if God has instilled in you a passion {like mine} for the unreached, the ones who have never had the chance to hear the good news of Jesus, — this passion will *likely* drive you to an airport.
The thing is – every role in ministry is equally important.
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function. Romans 12:4
While not everyone feels led to go overseas, every believer should be willing.
While not every believer is led to foreign missions, every believer is called to join THE mission.
Disciple making should begin on the day of our salvation and end on the day of our physical death – not be squished into the dates of mission trips or church functions.
Let us all realize the calling on our lives, and get to work where we are at.
