So
often when we think of missions we have this idea it means going
abroad – over seas - to share the Gospel with those that are lost
and have never heard the name Jesus Christ. It seems so glamorous in
it's ideal situation. After all Jesus did tell us in Acts 1:8 that
“ye
shall
be
witnesses unto
me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the
uttermost
part
of the earth.” But
does that really mean that each of us must travel to the ends of the
earth in order to share that sacred name; Jesus? It is my opinion
that we, in fact, need to rethink what being mission-minded truly
means according to the Scriptures.
Let
us first explore Acts 1:8. When Jesus spoke this “Great
Commission” He wasn't suggesting we all jump on the next red-eye
flight bound for Tim-buck-too. He says that we will be witnesses of
him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost. Let me create a
word picture – think of Jerusalem as your home; your neighborhood.
Judea could be the city you live in. Samaria is the bigger picture;
your country – the US. And of course the uttermost will be the
places that you may never think of going (traveling abroad). So in
this verse he talks of ministering to everyone... starting from those
closest to you. But the where does it really start?
I
believe it all starts at home.
Please
don't misunderstand me... there
is a definite place for people traveling across our boarders to tell
others of what God did for us on the cross. I
believe Christians (as a whole) have lost sight of the big picture.
We see so many suffering and lost lives via the media, visiting
missionaries,
church bulletins that I
think our
lens is clouded as to what He first called us to – the family. I
believe being mission-minded starts in the home;
serving God selflessly and
then extends outward with a motion like a drop of water in a cup.
But what does serving God selflessly look like for a twelve,
fourteen, sixteen, twenty (some) year old young lady look like today?
A
married woman?
It
looks like a rose, emerging
from the soil, beautifully giving credit to its Maker's
design – blooming to be what it's suppose to be, exactly where the
gardener has planted it, in
its perfect
time.
Giving
glory to God in everything.
We
are each a rose, God is the Maker (as well as the gardener). He
planted each of us, regardless of the season we are in, exactly where
we are. He makes no mistakes, therefore if
you are still in school, do your school to the glory of God. If
you've graduated, waiting for Mr. Right to come along, be the helper
at home that gives glory to God. (did
you know learning to serve your earthly father as you would your
husband is not only good practice, but also glorifying to God?)
If you've crossed over into the blessed union of marriage (even
motherhood) –
learn to glorify God by becoming the best helpmeet (mother)
you
can be for those
God has entrusted
to
you.
You
see... being
mission-minded is more than travel, glamor,
and verbally
sharing the Gospel with everyone you meet.
It is learning the heart of God and allowing
Him to have that ripple effect through us, through our family.
That's
why I believe family
is the foundation. We
must strive to be women of purpose; to live our lives discipling our
children and loving our husbands. We must direct our
children
onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
We
must be intentionally living with a generational vision. Our home
must be our first mission field. Our family must be those that we
purpose to effect first. Our children should be foremost on our list
to disciple.
I
understand
it's a difficult place to be; not knowing when and where God has you
going next. Especially when you want something so badly. God
tells us He is a light unto our path, a lamp unto our feet – with
that light, from that lamp - we are only allowed to see a short
distance. He offers to guide us and protect us, but we must be in
His will, being obedient in faith that He knows best. I
would like to encourage you to stay the course and not give in to the
earthly ideals of where your mission field “should be”. There
are plenty of opportunities for being mission-minded in your home, in
your city, in this country. Allow God to grow the vision of His
mission in your heart. And if you seek Him and his kingdom first,
everything else will fall into place.
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Don't forget about the current giveaway! The winner will be announced July 29th and will revieve homemaker's journal divider pages!
Stay tuned for tomorrow's post!
