Meant to be One

I want to convince you to become a missionary, especially if you are not one already.

Yes, you heard read that correctly. I want you to become one.

Before I moved to Uganda, I thought "missionary" was a life path a Christian could choose, one of a myriad of options, like becoming a pastor, worship leader, a teacher at a Christian school, or any other career path a Christian could be called to.

But it's not true. Not according to the Bible.

Being a missionary has a lot less to do with where you are and a lot more to do with the message you are called to carry and the mission for which you have been commissioned.

Over the last few years, based on experience and from what I have read, God wants all of us to be missionaries.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 - See also Mark 16:15 and Acts 1:8)

Jesus' final words to His disciples before ascending to heaven, were not just for those men and women, but also for all of us who would come after. After all, disciples making disciples making disciples is a replicating process. It began those many years ago and has continued through the centuries, decades and years, which is why you and I are aware of the truth of the Gospel today.

But this disciple-making venture is not for a select few, it is for all of Christ's disciples. Each one who has been redeemed has been redeemed for a purpose - to bring God glory and to help bring others to live in that same Divine purpose.

So, you may ask, how is that done?

"Living missionally is about being available. It's about taking advantage of every opportunity, big and small, to point another toward knowing Jesus. It's about investing in people, even those with whom you wouldn't normally spend time. It's about loving them enough to let the Holy Spirit guide your conversations into matters of eternity, about praying earnestly on their behalf, and patiently letting Him draw them to Himself through your reflection of His character, regardless of how long it may take. Ultimately, living missionally is about pursuing the heart of God as relentlessly as He pursues ours." (From "As You Go - Creating a Missional Culture of Gospel-Centered Students," by Alvin L. Reid)

Being a Christian means entering a life of discipleship - following our Redeemer and obeying and learning from Him, and helping others to do the same. It is not for an elite group, it is for you and I - to do daily, practically, passionately, until God calls us home.

So, are you willing to be a missionary? Right where you are? In doing what He has called you to do?

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