I served in the military for 20 years. During that time, I was handed many missions by my superiors. As I progressed in rank, the missions became wider in scope and had greater impact. Even though the missions were accomplished by working in teams, there was never any doubt about who bore responsibility for success or failure. If it was my mission, I carried the responsibility.
These days, I am still on mission. But what a difference it is from my military missions! To begin with, I'm no longer in service to my nation. However, I'm still in service to the Kingdom. This Kingdom is powerful, able to destroy the very gates of hell. It has both visible and invisible components. It is a Kingdom that sounds foolish to those who don’t know it, but gives life to those who do.
Another big difference is that I no longer lead missions. Lots of Christians say they are on a mission for God, but I have a slightly different view. I am joining God on His mission. His, not mine. He carries the responsibility. I am simply an agent who has joined others in following our King.
What is that mission? In simple terms, it is to bring God to people, for His glory. Look a little closer, and you’ll see it has many aspects. One primary aspect is to spread the good news about what God did for us through His son Jesus. Another is to make disciples by teaching and baptizing. It includes redeeming the world through love, feeding the poor and hurting, welcoming strangers and visiting the sick and imprisoned. It is growing in community and taking that community to others.
Is it a dangerous mission? In some ways, it is. It involves opposition, both physical and spiritual. There will be serious troubles for those on this mission. But the reward is immeasurable.
I enjoy being with God on His mission, accompanied by fellow Christians. Whether it’s close to home or a thousand miles away, He has allowed me to both grow and go in service to His kingdom. What about you? Do you enjoy being on God’s mission? Are you seeing new areas where God is at work and you can join Him? Do you look forward to the struggles that lead to great rewards?
