02/14/2022
A while back we had the opportunity to share about our work and witness trips into Mexico with pre-school thru 4th graders. Since then I have been thinking along the lines of, What does Mission work look like? Who is called to Missions?
I have had the opportunity to listen to a few amazing people preach about Gods plans for each of us. God tells us to go out and make disciples of all people. Not convert them, make disciples. There is a distinct difference in my mind between the two. Discipleship takes relationship building. It is an investment into someones life. Sharing what Gods word says, walking beside them, LOVING them, encouraging and building them up. Whew, man, that takes time. That is a BIG responsibility and, "God you know I am still learning, so how can I teach others?" are thoughts that run thru my head. What if each of us focused on that great commission? What if we started first in our homes as the practice ground, building up our spouses and children? What if we gave the best of ourselves to our families instead of what was left at the end of doing the "busy" work that has the appearance of doing good?
I grew up with the expression, "Missions start at home". What exactly does that mean? Does it mean honoring the gift of the spouse that God has given you? Does it mean taking the extra time to love and guide the blessing of our children? Does it mean laying aside what the world calls success and finding that LOVING our families, is in fact one of the greatest fulfillment there is? What if the world view isn't Gods view? What a novel thought. God LOVES and adores family! He sent His SON so that we may be SONS and DAUGHTERS! That sounds a bit like family to me.
Family is messy, confusing, full of laughter, full of tears. Some of the biggest hurts in my life have had to do with family. Why, because the love for my family is so deep I don't know where it began or where it ends. It is part of my very fiber.
How does all that connect with talking to some kids? I told those youngsters that EACH of us is called to serve. Some may go to far off places but a very large group will be called to be right where they are. Is one "calling" higher than the other? How do you quantify the call God has placed on you? If it is right where you are with the people you are around, how is that less than?
So, where ever you are, right where you are, love and serve those around you. Let Gods love flow thru you. Let it begin with your family. God knows the plans He has for you! He will finish the work He has started in you!