Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Missionary (10/19/06)
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TITLE: Have you been sent? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bob Truesdale
10/26/06 -
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One dictionary definition of a missionary is, “One who has been sent on a mission”. Sounds pretty basic, doesn’t it? Oftentimes however, those of us in the Church hear the term missionary and think of some poor soul God has called to go off to some forsaken land where there’s dangerous conditions, abject poverty, and none of the comforts of home. And often times, that’s just the way it works out, but not always. “One who has been sent on a mission”. When you get right down to it, those of us who have placed our faith in Christ have all been sent on a mission, and we never have to venture far to find it.
I heard a woman at our church comment one time that she wished her husband would spend less time planning Men’s retreats and more time acting like a Godly man at home. That really hit me. Too often, Christians think missionary work is just for those sent ‘somewhere else’. Not true. Missions work is often times far removed from telling others what it takes to get saved or how to live a Godly life, while you’re off in a foreign land. You and I have been sent on a mission. Each one of us has been uniquely designed and gifted by the Master to proclaim hope, healing, and grace to a lost and dying world. How? That’s the crucial point.
It’s not so much what you say but how you live. I remember my neighbor coming over in a panic a few years ago because they couldn’t locate their daughter at college. They asked me if I would pray for her safe return. To the best of my knowledge, they aren’t Christians or even churchgoers for that matter, they just knew my family held prayer and the things of God in high regard. As a Flight Attendant for twenty-five years, I’ve met lots of people from all walks of life. I’ve found there’s quite a difference between those who name the name of Christ and those who act like Him. It’s easy to get caught up in the trap of complaining, murmuring about the boss, politicians, low wages, our spouse, or even our customers. I know because I used to be one of the worst! One day I realized that my attitude and speech were far more indicative of my spiritual life than just handing someone a ‘Bible tract’ or giving them the ‘four spiritual laws’.
Christ modeled the Father in every way. Peace, patience, gentleness, love, joy, self-control, was how He conducted Himself in every situation, with every type of crowd, even hostile ones. When we act, speak, and live that way, we are being faithful missionaries. They say there are three kinds of people in this world. Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. It's the decision of a lifetime. The question begs an answer. Have you been sent?
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