27 Jan, 2011
Missing the Mission
I decided when I was in first grade. Mrs. Tracey, my teacher, asked the class what we wanted to be when we grew up. Up and down the rows she went. I heard the usual – teacher, firefighter, policeman, nurse, doctor, and then I said the only thing that I wanted to be – a missionary.
The night before at church, missionaries had shared what they were doing in their country and how they were telling others about Jesus. They showed pictures, answered lots of questions, and let us look at things they brought over from their country. I don’t remember their names. I don’t even know where they were from. I just remember feeling that call on my life to serve God.
Mrs. Tracey asked why I wanted to be a missionary. I told her that I wanted to go around to churches and tell people what God was doing. Even though other kids laughed and said that wasn’t what a missionary was, I knew that no matter what I did, I was going to serve God and tell others about Him.
Picture courtesy of gospelclipart.com
God’s Story
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
What does today’s Scripture Story teach us about missions?
We don’t officially have to be on a mission field to be a missionary. We are all called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. And we’re not all gifted in the same way. You may be a great teacher, or have the gift of helps. Do you a talent to speak different languages? Enjoy working with children? Love to sing? God can use your passions and gifts to be a missionary.
How can we connect today’s God’s Story scripture to our lives?
Am I a missionary? Yes. Have I served overseas or around the world? No. But by using the gifts that God has given me, I’ve been a part of sharing His love in several ways. Local mission trips, Vacation Bible School, working at camps, singing at churches, preaching in services, sharing God’s love to others, and praying for the lost. And those are just a few of the ways. I’ve given money, helped with food pantries, organized women’s retreats and more with the hope that God will be glorified and others would be drawn to Christ.
I’m not saying this to draw attention to me. I want you to realize that you’re never too young (or too old) to serve the Lord. There is no greater reward than to love others to Jesus. And you can do it by using the gifts he’s blessed you with.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Missionaries go around the world to share about Jesus….but we also need to be willing to make ourselves mission minded at home. Are you reaching out to your neighbor? To the person who sits in front of you in your homeroom class? The family you babysit? Your family members?
Maybe you know what you want to be when you ‘grow up’. I hope you consider yourself a missionary – no matter what field or career you may take. It’s what we’re all called to do. So….
• Surrender your whole life to Him
• Don’t set limits on what you will do or where you will go – say yes to whatever He asks
• Rely on His grace to carry you
Don’t miss the mission. Be a missionary…..today….right where you are. And I’ll be praying for you as become His hands and feet.
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