Mission-Minded

 

What does it mean to be "Mission-Minded?"  Are each of us, individually, as families and as a church committed to following the purpose and calling of the church? Do we understand what our mission is?

First, we are called to make disciples.  Matthew 28:19-20 is the Great Commission that the apostles were handed.  

Just before Jesus returned to heaven, He commissioned His disciples this way: “Going into all the world, make disciples of all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you

The apostles saw Jesus, spoke with Him and knew Him in a special way.  They were given the task of laying out for us exactly what we are to believe about Jesus and how to go about living for Jesus.  They had a special calling, but our mission is exactly the same as theirs, to make disciples of all nations.  As families and as a church, this means we equip the saints to share the message of Jesus. Our church leadership is focused on teaching so that our congregation can grow in our knowledge of Jesus and His Word.  What a blessing to have that kind of pastor and leadership!

But, what good is the equipping, if it is never used?  The responsibility to implement this knowledge and faith that we have falls on each of us. This is not equipping for a disaster that we hope never happens.  This is equipping our children and adults to spread the gospel to a world that is certainly heading for eternity without Jesus! This is a responsibility and calling for every single one of us who professes faith in Christ. 

First and foremost, we must use what we are being taught, everywhere we go.  Are we actively sharing and living out the gospel every day?  This is our purpose, our calling! This is the reason that Jesus endured the cross!  He so loved THE WORLD as John 3:16 tells us.  We must be ready and willing to share the this with all who will listen. 

Next, we are called to serve and love the weak and unlovable.  Being the hands and feet of Jesus means showing His love to everyone, from king to pauper, as we seek to make His name known among all peoples. This involves action and faith.

Then, we are to equip those who are young in the faith to do the same.  Our children as well as new believers should be taught the essentials of the faith and encouraged to grow for the purpose of sharing this faith with the world. This is a cycle that should repeat itself over and over as the body of Christ grows. 

Furthermore, are we supporting and encouraging our fellow believers to grow, learn and share?  Are we praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ?  Do we encourage them when they are weak?  When opportunities come for a brother or sister to be encouraged or grow in the faith, do we rejoice and encourage them?  Do we encourage our pastor and leadership to learn and grow in their faith?  Do we support those within the Body of Christ who obey and live out our mission?

 Our  VBS this week is a wonderful way to develop relationships with one another and to come together in unity.  This is a wonderful purpose! We must remember our mission in this.  To reach a dying world with the gospel of Jesus.  The unity of the body of Christ is vital to our message. 

TCTC and the annual Marriage Retreat are two wonderful ways to equip different groups within the church to grow in their faith, enabling them to be men and women that reflect the light of Jesus.  As we stand behind these teens or couples, our unity and support displays to the world that our church is energized to equip believers to spread the gospel. What a testimony!

You see, merely giving money to others is great.  We must support them in anyway possible! But that kind of missions is not enough. WE must have that mission-minded focus ourselves,  individually.  It is not optional.  God does not only call some. He calls us all. 

The Church of Jesus is not a social club.  We are not a civic organization that should be uncertain of how or why we exist.  Our handbook is clear. We have a mission. We must keep that mission in clear focus. James teaches us that we are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers.  As we are reminded in 1 John, the test of our faith is if we love Jesus and love others.  If we love others, we will share the good news of Jesus with them!