F. Buechner famously said, “Where the world’s deepest hunger and your own deepest gladness meet is the place where you are called.” I’ve been privileged that my spiritual gift is my ministry and my ministry is my work. I get to serve those whom God shows affirmative love to: the widows, orphans, poor, and foreigners. As I walk deeper into God's calling in my life, these are 3 things I wished I knew about missions:
1. Too much time in the church leaves less time to be the church
Church is supposed to shine like a city on a hill, providing an oasis of healing, and showing the indiscriminate love of Christ to everyone in need. Our service to God should not be limited to being in church. Jesus has set an example for us believers when He washed His disciples’ feet.
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” - John 13:3-4
It’s interesting how following the verse of Jesus who has all power under Him is Jesus dispensing His power to serve! If it were me, service would probably the last thing on my mind with all power at hand!
“His glory is not defined by the possession of His omnipresence but the exercise of His omnipresence”
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. He also gives us a new identity to live in. You see, self denial and self-affirmation are not mutually exclusive; Self-affirmation, however always leads to self-giving. The more we live into His identity for us, the more we know our task to live unselfishly. Our call is to love beyond skin colour, nationality and legality status. We need to be driven by our biblical mandate to hospitality, command to love our neighbours and the opportunity to live out the Great Commandment.
2.Frenzied activity is not fruitful ministry
Overwhelmed by the busyness of ministry too can turn us ugly. I get easily irritated when I am tired and stressed—doing the Gospel a disservice.
“Self giving is not equal to self destruction”
Of course, the weary warrior needs rest too. Life is meant to be enjoyed. In fact, Jesus commands celebration and times of rest and renewal. So we take care of ourselves. Eat well, rest well, exercise. We learn to say “no” to things that will overwhelm our schedule. We choose our battles so our ministry can be more effective. When it’s time to pick up our towel, then we take it seriously.
God sometimes uses us in big ways to bless others, but often too he uses us in the thousand coffees and small acts of kindness. Jesus is saying, “I am not calling you to be a superhero. Because the Glory is Mine alone.”
3. Look at the endurance of the Cross
Like any other work, good works too can cause burn outs. For you and I, it is easy to lose our joy and thankfulness when work gets tough. It is tempting to fall into resentment. So, let’s push forward with the encouragement from the Cross, following Jesus the Lamb who was slain. Jesus was clear on His mission
“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give Himself as a ransom for many” - Matthew 20:28
Following our Crucified King, let us labor in delight as we follow a mission like His. It comes down to being a good steward of what we’ve been entrusted with. If we destroy our body, it’s vandalism. If we don’t use God’s money responsibly, it’s robbery. If we don't obey His call, can we call ourselves followers of Christ?
Last January, I listed down my bold prayers to God. One of them is, “Use me to fight against injustices and comfortable Christianity.” I wrote this after I received the heartbreaking news I could not serve the Rohingya refugees with Samaritan’s Purse. Turns out He had another plan, I didn't need to go far to do His mission. I want to encourage you to keep praying and keep going the way Paul encouraged the Church in Thessaloniki:
Continue to work produced by faith,
to labor prompted by love,
and to endure in the hope of Jesus Christ. (1 Thes 1:3)
X,
Tam
He has taught me to renew my mind, my heart & my strength so that I can live in God’s purpose for me. With a year older, I am a lot less naive and a lot more hopeful still. There’s one thing that never left me, that is wonder. For all this year has to unveil, here is my prayer to the Lord: