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.