September 21: Missionary Predestinations
"The purpose for which the missionary is created is that he may be God's servant, one in whom God is glorified."
Notice the difference in Chambers' definition of a missionary and the world's definition: "mis-sion-ar-y n. A person sent to propagate religion or to do educational or charitable work in some place where his church has no self-supporting local organization; hence, one who spreads any new system or doctrine."
The church has largely bought into the world's definition and is therefore missing the point. Yes, a few of God's servants have heard a call to go to a distant place and "be God's servant, one in whom God is glorified." But those of us left in local churches should realize that we are missionaries, too!! Our mission fields are those people that we see at work, at school, at play. Their needs are no less important than the people in Africa, and we are so selfish if we lose sight of that.
If you resist this idea because you think a missionary is suppose to be some super saint and you don't feel the call, then you, too, have bought into that world point of view. Come to grips with the prevalent theme of Old and New Testament teaching that ALL Christians are called to "be God's servant, one in whom God is glorified." As you embrace the truth that "you are created for God" and not for yourself, you will find yourself in daily contact with those who need God's touch through you. Relax! You will not need to determine to minister or witness, because the circumstances will play out naturally. If others say to you, "Wow, that was really nice of you to help that person!" you will be confused at their praise.
Dear Jesus, please let us concentrate on only one thing --- glorifying You and enjoying You forever. If we just do that then we will automatically "rely on the tremendous creative purpose of God." Teach us t0 recognize our own intentions and let You crush them immediately. Let us surrender completely to You so that You can force through our hearts the interest of the whole world. Lord, I know that one of the children of my heart has a specific missionary assignment from You to help a devastated non-believer. Thank You for this heart of compassion that came as naturally as breathing. Continue to orchestrate the circumstances that will bring the hurting one to Yourself.
Notice the difference in Chambers' definition of a missionary and the world's definition: "mis-sion-ar-y n. A person sent to propagate religion or to do educational or charitable work in some place where his church has no self-supporting local organization; hence, one who spreads any new system or doctrine."
The church has largely bought into the world's definition and is therefore missing the point. Yes, a few of God's servants have heard a call to go to a distant place and "be God's servant, one in whom God is glorified." But those of us left in local churches should realize that we are missionaries, too!! Our mission fields are those people that we see at work, at school, at play. Their needs are no less important than the people in Africa, and we are so selfish if we lose sight of that.
If you resist this idea because you think a missionary is suppose to be some super saint and you don't feel the call, then you, too, have bought into that world point of view. Come to grips with the prevalent theme of Old and New Testament teaching that ALL Christians are called to "be God's servant, one in whom God is glorified." As you embrace the truth that "you are created for God" and not for yourself, you will find yourself in daily contact with those who need God's touch through you. Relax! You will not need to determine to minister or witness, because the circumstances will play out naturally. If others say to you, "Wow, that was really nice of you to help that person!" you will be confused at their praise.
Dear Jesus, please let us concentrate on only one thing --- glorifying You and enjoying You forever. If we just do that then we will automatically "rely on the tremendous creative purpose of God." Teach us t0 recognize our own intentions and let You crush them immediately. Let us surrender completely to You so that You can force through our hearts the interest of the whole world. Lord, I know that one of the children of my heart has a specific missionary assignment from You to help a devastated non-believer. Thank You for this heart of compassion that came as naturally as breathing. Continue to orchestrate the circumstances that will bring the hurting one to Yourself.
posted by Jane at 4:07 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home