mis·sion·ar·y

Noun
A person sent on a religious mission, esp. one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country.

Adjective
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a missionary or religious mission: "missionary work"

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When I applied to the World Race, I understood that it was a mission trip. It was clear to me that I was going to travel around the world and tell people about Jesus. And I couldn't wait! After I was accepted, I began telling people about the trip, and people would respond with, "Oh, so you're a missionary!?" and I'm pretty sure my reaction might have puzzled them. I was like, whoa… they're right. I'm about to be a missionary. Mish-uhn-air-E. Weird.

After coming to this realization, I started having doubts… like, really am I good enough to be a missionary? Why would anyone want to listen to what I have to say about Jesus, when I've got the past that I do and I've screwed up as many times as I have?

Then, in the nick of time, my pastor began a series called "Jesus the Missionary." This is when I realized that being a missionary isn't weird. Being a missionary isn't only for people who travel to foreign places or move to an African village to start a school. Being a missionary is what we are called to do, every day, in our normal lives, at our jobs, in class, and with our friends through our behavior, actions and the example we set. 

Through these sermons I have learned some pretty important stuff.

The word missionary is not outdated. It isn't something I should feel weird calling myself, rather something I should strive to be- every day!

Why would anyone want to listen to me?
In order for people to want to listen to me, I've got to be living out what I say I believe. I need to have credibility; if I am declaring my faith and belief in Jesus as my savior, I had better be living a life that is glorifying Him- people will notice if I'm not. And who wants to listen to a blatant hypocrite??? I also need to be compassionate. If someone doesn't believe that I care about them and am invested in them, why would they believe that I am sharing anything important with them? Additionally, I need to be sure to stay focused on what's important: Jesus saves and He is full of grace and love.

So, whether your life takes you around the world to share Jesus, or His plan for you is to share Jesus with your co-worker the next cubicle over, we are definitely all called to be missionaries. Maybe being a missionary is a little weird, but not in a bad way 🙂

Romans 12:22 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.