On Mission At All Times

What does it mean to be a “missionary?” I’ve been thinking about that question deeply in recent weeks—partly because of our study of Romans, and partly because of our church’s partnership with Pastor Melo and the churches in the Philippines.

Last year, twenty of us traveled to serve in the Philippines. This year, a team of six went. Over time, as best as I can calculate, more than forty members of our church have participated in short-term trips there. This hands-on involvement and dedicated service have been a tremendous blessing—both to us and to God’s work in the Philippines. (You’ll hear more about this most recent trip on Sunday, April 26, so come and celebrate with us!)

Last month was unusual for me. I flew 27,640 miles and was away from home for three weeks. My time with family and with Pastor Melo’s team was wonderful—but it is also very good to be home.

But does returning home to familiar people and places mean we step off the mission field? Of course not.

We have simply returned to our home mission field.

Comfortable surroundings and familiar relationships are both a blessing and a danger. The blessing is the joy of community and the encouragement of being known. The danger is that we can “settle in,” becoming focused on our own routines and needs, and forget that we are called to live on mission continually.

It is so important for us to remember that we are “on mission” at all times. Our mission field includes the West End of Greenville, our neighborhoods, our workplaces—every place God gives us the opportunity to interact with people. We are here to glorify God with our lives and to obediently make mature disciples, starting right where we are.

There is much for which I am grateful, but the blessing of having faithful, godly men to proclaim God’s Word is near the top of that list. I am especially thankful for Adam, Shawn, and Scott, who have faithfully led us through the first three chapters of Romans over the past five weeks. I am also excited about the wonderful truths we will continue to explore together as we move through the Easter season.

As we continue in Romans and reflect on the power of the gospel, may we remember: the same message that saves us is the message we are sent to share. We are a sent people—both near and far. The message of Easter is that He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14). He has made peace with God through the blood of the cross. We truly have much to celebrate.  And much to share.