Have you ever heard a person say that they do not feel called to be a missionary or it is "just not their thing"? Maybe you, yourself feel this way too. I have had more individuals than I can keep count tell me that they are just not called to missions. But friend, that is just simply not the case! Did you know that if you are a born-again believer, which makes you a disciple of Jesus, than you are called to be a missionary?
Before we continue on I think it would be a good idea to define missionary. Missionary: A person undertaking a mission and especially a religious mission. {Definition from Websters dictionary}
Ok, so lets take a look at these passages in Matthew 28:19-20 and in Mark 16:14-16.
Jesus is talking to His disciples before He is taken back up to Heaven.
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (NIV)
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes in me and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (NIV)
The Message translation says it this way: "God authorized and commanded Me to commission you: 'Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism..." [Mat 28:19] and in Mark it says, "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God's good news to one and all..."
I don't know about you, but what Jesus is commanding all His followers to do seems very clear--to share with the entire world the message of the gospel. You know many times we ask, "Lord, should I go?" and then we decide that God didn't say yes, so we decide that we are then ok to stay where we are. But maybe instead the question we should be asking is: "Lord, should I not go" He has already said to go, so why are we sitting on our fannies and twiddling our thumbs?
Now I know what you might be thinking, "Wait a minute! I don't sit and twiddle my thumbs all day!" :) Friend, my point is that if you are a born-again believer, than you are called to be a missionary. Lets go back to the definition of the word. A person undertaking a mission, especially a religious mission. Do you think you have to go to Timbuktu to accomplish sharing the gospel? NO! you don't, but sometimes we hold back in life because we don't see ourselves as this "this great missionary, evangelist or preacher".
"I hope you will be a missionary wherever your lot is cast ... it makes but
little difference after all where we spend these few fleeting years, if they
are only spent for the glory of God. Be assured there is nothing else worth
living for." -Elizabeth Freeman
What opportunities has God put in your path that is your "Go"? Maybe it is volunteering in your child's classroom and being a light there. Maybe it is living with integrity and standing for truth at work, even when you stand alone. Maybe it is starting and leading a bible study in your local jail, volunteering at ministries in your church or opening your home to anyone God brings your way. Friend, ask God what He wants you to say "Yes" to today and where your mission field is!
"I hope you will be a missionary wherever your lot is cast ... it makes but
little difference after all where we spend these few fleeting years, if they
are only spent for the glory of God. Be assured there is nothing else worth
living for." -Elizabeth Freeman
What opportunities has God put in your path that is your "Go"? Maybe it is volunteering in your child's classroom and being a light there. Maybe it is living with integrity and standing for truth at work, even when you stand alone. Maybe it is starting and leading a bible study in your local jail, volunteering at ministries in your church or opening your home to anyone God brings your way. Friend, ask God what He wants you to say "Yes" to today and where your mission field is!
