What does it look like to be a missionary?
We think of missionaries as believers in Jesus with a passion for the gospel and they’re willing to live in places like Asia, Africa or South America. They’re better at evangelism than the rest of us. We think that being a missionary is big league, and it’s not for everyone.
That’s a misunderstanding that misses God’s purpose for us, and the potential we all have to change people’s lives. When you were baptized, when you first believed in Jesus, he called you to be a missionary.
You don’t need to move overseas, manufacture opportunities, or manipulate people to say yes when you invite them to church.
Just meet Jesus where he’s already working in people’s lives, and meet others who want to do that, too.
Being a missionary is being connected to Jesus who wants all people to be saved, and being connected to other people who are connected to Jesus like you are. Like being a musician naturally connects you to other musicians who share that passion, and—boom!—you have a band.
So where do you start? Wherever Jesus is already at work opening doors for you to be an everyday missionary. There’s a divine purpose and plan for every person in your life who needs Jesus, and why they’re in your life.
That is Jesus’ mission, and it’s not random at all. The Bible says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
The good you hope to do for people is actually planned out by God!
The classmate who sits alone in the cafeteria. Hungry kids who live right here in our zip code. The neighbor who needs to borrow a pencil sharpener. The single, pregnant mom considering an abortion because she’s just too overwhelmed. All the new people you don’t know who are coming to church.
God made you to be a masterpiece for those moments.
PRAYER: Jesus, help me to watch for, recognize and respond to your work in people’s lives. Invite me, instruct me and involve me on your mission. Amen.
EVANGELISM ACTION: Here’s a practice at CrossLife Church called Invite Your One. Inviting people to church, and praying for them.