LIVE LOVE.
As Christians, have we developed a wrong view of missions?
Generally the term "missions" implies that there is a goal, and a plan of action to reach that goal. While there's not really anything wrong with having a "mission" in Christianity, I think we've gotten a bit carried away with the idea of Christian missions being a militant effort to make our numbers increase, when really it should be about love.
I've heard people tell stories about missions and mission trips and as they share some big number of people who "prayed to accept Christ," the whole congregation applauds as if it were some telethon where we had finally reached our goal. There's no doubt that having lost people accept Christ is a great thing, and in fact the greatest thing that can happen in an individuals life. However, I wonder whether we should be so obsessed with "adding to the numbers," or should we simply strive to show love? After all, Jesus did teach that the absolute greatest commandment is to love, and that all other commandments should be built upon this principle.
Yes, God loves the world. Duh.
True, God wants the world to know the truth.
Of course, we as Christians are the vessel that God will use to tell the world.
My concern is that is stops there...
First let's get our motives in check.
We share the gospel with the nations out of love. This same love should move to sponsor orphans in Nicaragua. This same love should motivate us help repair wells in sub-saharan Africa. This love should compel us to spend time simply talking with a college student in Denmark, who needs someone to talk to (even if God is never mentioned.) Jesus told us to disciple the nations -- a process that involves much more that simply showing a gory account of the crucifixion, sharing that hell is hot and having them fill out a card checking "became a Christian." Of course this method sure does look effective on paper, right?
Jesus saved the world by loving them and serving them.
Generally the term "missions" implies that there is a goal, and a plan of action to reach that goal. While there's not really anything wrong with having a "mission" in Christianity, I think we've gotten a bit carried away with the idea of Christian missions being a militant effort to make our numbers increase, when really it should be about love.
I've heard people tell stories about missions and mission trips and as they share some big number of people who "prayed to accept Christ," the whole congregation applauds as if it were some telethon where we had finally reached our goal. There's no doubt that having lost people accept Christ is a great thing, and in fact the greatest thing that can happen in an individuals life. However, I wonder whether we should be so obsessed with "adding to the numbers," or should we simply strive to show love? After all, Jesus did teach that the absolute greatest commandment is to love, and that all other commandments should be built upon this principle.
Yes, God loves the world. Duh.
True, God wants the world to know the truth.
Of course, we as Christians are the vessel that God will use to tell the world.
My concern is that is stops there...
First let's get our motives in check.
We share the gospel with the nations out of love. This same love should move to sponsor orphans in Nicaragua. This same love should motivate us help repair wells in sub-saharan Africa. This love should compel us to spend time simply talking with a college student in Denmark, who needs someone to talk to (even if God is never mentioned.) Jesus told us to disciple the nations -- a process that involves much more that simply showing a gory account of the crucifixion, sharing that hell is hot and having them fill out a card checking "became a Christian." Of course this method sure does look effective on paper, right?
Jesus saved the world by loving them and serving them.