Monday, March 19, 2007

In Other Words

(I'm taking Laurel's challenge this week for "In Other Words." Go to her site to see others' interpretations of the following quote...)

"It is insufficient to proclaim that the Church of God has a mission in the world. Rather, the God of mission has a Church." ~Tim Dearborn

It’s hard to be the “frozen chosen” when you are a missionary. Despite one’s denominational background and its traditions, I have yet to meet a missionary that was not a little Pentecostal about their faith! LOL These folks are seriously, excitedly, and enthusiastically on fire for Christ – as we all should be but often fall short.

I’m reminded of the difference between those on what’s thought of as the traditional mission field versus those of us in our “regular” lives. These brave, faith-filled souls are serious about bringing the knowledge and salvation of Christ into areas most of us wouldn’t think of going. And, in return, we simply cannot envision those we come in contact with each and every day as our own personal mission field. And, again, we often fall short.

In addition, these sweet, sincere believers forgo modern comforts, traditional lives, and things we take for granted daily to live in a remote area, a strange land, a jungle village because they truly strive to exemplify Jesus’ love for all…as we all should but often fall short.

So, what’s the real point of the Church? Is it for those of us already “chosen” to find our little piece of peace each week, get our blessing, or get filled to withstand our upcoming work week?

Or, are we forgetting the true Mission of the Church? Is it not to “…go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age. Amen.”


Heaven is our home. So, wherever we are every minute of the day is our mission field. We need to be on fire for and about God daily. We can be a light in areas others would not think of going. We can forgo a few comforts to add one more soul to the Lamb’s Book of Life. Let us live as missionaries each day and let us not fall short.

12 comments:

Denise said...

Amen, loved your thoughts on this weeks quote.

Julie said...

I so agree. Our mission field is where ever we are.

Miriam Pauline said...

You write, "Heaven is our home. So, wherever we are every minute of the day is our mission field." Our sermon Sunday was on the fact that we are citizens of heaven not of this earth. I'm seeing a pattern, which usually means God is trying to get my attention. Thank you!

Lori said...

Very well said. Amen.

Amydeanne said...

hehe I love "a little pentecostal" in their background.. I hear ya!
Great post!

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

"And, in return, we simply cannot envision those we come in contact with each and every day as our own personal mission field"

Oh that we could truly see everyone we come in contact with as an opportunity from God to be His ambassador..

Enjoyed your thoughts

heidi @ ggip said...

Great post. I used the same verse.

I'm afraid mine wasn't as clear as yours....

Peace.

Cyndi said...

I loved your take on this week's quote. I agree, I become a little more "pentecostal" when I'm on the mission field... I'd never thought of it that way but I LOL'ed at that when I read it.

I loved how you pointed out that "heaven is our home." That view has caused me to hold things here a little more loosely, and to realize that pursuing a life of holiness isn't in vain, as it is helping me be more like who I'll be when I get to my true home.

I enjoyed your post today!

Lisa said...

I ditto the "Amen's"!! I am so lacking in courage to be a missionary. That's so lame, I know. Thanks for the encouragement my friend!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing so well. We ALL need that pentecostal enthusiasmim, don't we?!?!?!

Bonnie W said...

Well said, Bet! we've been preaching it for years, but so often it falls on deaf ears. Thanks for saying it again!
Bonnie

Melissa said...

Good word... I'm new to the "in other words".. really enjoyed what you shared...

Melissa