Why Missions is Important?

            When I first heard the word “missions,” I imagined someone in a third-world country, suffering from lack of resources, and sleeping on the ground. I thought it was about being physically uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel. Unbelievers in my life would emphasize the lack of money. Believers would tell me stories of Lottie Moon or Adoniram Judson and how more than physical suffering can come from missions. I saw missions as an elite calling on someone’s life, for the super-spiritual. But as I grew in my walk with the Lord, I saw how it is a calling on every believer’s life. I saw how it is integrated into the mundane. Here are Jesus’s words in Matthew 28, words that I have been surrounded by for my three years at a seminary: “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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.” He ascended into Heaven afterwards, leaving this command behind for his disciples. This wasn’t for just Mark or Matthew or Peter, no, it has been recording for all believers to follow. As Jesus’s disciples began to do this and make disciples of their own, the call has also been passed down. Every believer has a responsibility of sharing their faith, whether that is overseas sleeping under the stars or across the street at a local coffee shop. Church workers, doctors, teachers, scholars, artists, office workers, writers: every field is a mission field.

            Missions is not limited to place, time, or people. If every believer is commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations, then why try to limit it? Paul writes to Timothy: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people… For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:1, 2:5). Notice the words “all people.” Paul isn’t saying to just to pray and reach out to the Jews, nor just the Gentiles. He writes “all people.” Paul even writes in verse 2 that this includes kings and those in high positions. That means even when I’m not risking physical discomfort, I may still be uncomfortable praying for leaders that persecute my brothers and sisters. Every nation, every social-economical class, and every tongue: we are all image-bearers of our Creator and we all long for hope. The gospel, therefore, is for all.
            Paul also writes to Timothy to be ready at all times, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2). You never know when the Spirit will provide you opportunities to speak His name. Prepare yourself with the weapons and armor you need. That means to take time to memorize Scripture, to meditate on the Word, to pray and get on your knees before the Lord. It means to have your eyes and heart open to be ready to speak in truth and love. 

            Missions isn’t necessarily about moving to another country and planting a church. It can look like that, but it doesn’t always. Missions can be serving your neighborhood in love. It can be serving in your workplace in love. Even though I am one of the people that is planning on moving overseas and staying in a church setting, what about my right now? While I’m finishing school and working in North Carolina? I am still called to missions just like every other believer. Missions and discipleship have begun to go hand-in-hand in my mind. There is a commission to intentionally seek opportunities to share with unbelievers and to be intentional in building relationships. This is not only the core of discipleship, but this is what cultivates being mission-minded. So, to conclude, the Apostle Paul once again writes better than I could, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1-3).