For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:12-15
You are likely most familiar with the term “missions” or “mission trip” when talking about sharing the Gospel. While the Bible may not use these exact terms, we are all called to be ‘on mission’ everywhere we go as followers of Jesus. We know that Jesus was the best example of a missionary in how he literally came to this earth to tell everyone about the Good News of salvation.
What Does the Bible Say?
Perhaps one of the most popular passages in the Bible is known as The Great Commission:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
The desire of God’s heart is for all people to come to know Him and be in a personal relationship with Him – regardless of race, nationality, gender, background, etc.. Although some people may never accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, it is still our job to share about His love and the free gift of salvation. And not only does this passage command believers to go and make disciples of all nations, but it reassures us that God will be with us, empowering us to do so.
Although this passage clearly commands us to go out and make disciples, sharing the Good News is a joy for believers, not a chore or an obligation to be fulfilled. If we have experienced such an amazing gift, how could we not want to tell others about it? We share out of the overflow of freedom and love that God has given us.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:9-11
How Do You Practically Live On Mission?
Start Right Where You Are
An important reminder is that while some believers are called to live in the remotest parts of the earth and share the good news of the Gospel with people who have never heard the name of Jesus, this is not the story for most Christians. It can be overwhelming to feel like we have to do “the most” for the sake of the Gospel, including selling all your belongings and moving somewhere you have never been. Again, the Lord does call some people to this life, but most importantly, He has already called you to be on mission right where you are.
Share the Gospel with Your Family and Friends
We see Paul’s wonderful example of living on mission for Jesus in the Bible. Paul traveled to a lot of places, often taking others with him to mentor them. However, Paul had to start somewhere. We have his letters of encouragement and instruction to churches at Ephesus, Galatia, Colossae, etc. Paul knew the impact of being in discipleship and teaching others about Jesus in our own communities and churches first.
It may feel difficult to share with those close to you instead of strangers, but just remember it is not our job to change hearts and minds – only God can do that. We are the harvesters that plant a seed, and the Lord waters it in his timing.
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” – 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
Go on a Short-Term Mission Trip
An amazing way to serve the Lord, aside from loving people right where you are at, is to go on a short-term mission trip. Not only do you make a long-term impact on the people you serve, but you also get to take part in the “make disciples of all nations” part of the Great Commission.
Maybe you are called to be like Paul and live your life on the go, traveling to unlikely places for the sake of the Gospel, or maybe you are called to serve at your local church. But a short-term mission trip (1-2 weeks) can help you grow in ways you never thought possible and meet like-minded people with the goal of knowing Jesus and making Him known.
