Sunday 16 June 2013

An Everyday Missionary

Hey guys! So today’s post isn’t music related, but it’s definitely something that God has laid on my heart. We had an American missionary come preach at our church a couple of weeks ago, and what an impact he had! He emphasised the importance of ALL Christians being ambassadors for Christ WHEREVER they are.

I stay in a commune filled with missionaries who have given up the comforts of being in their own country to come and minister to those in need. I find this difficult task to be an incredible inspiration (and is definitely something I want to do at some stage) but what I often forget is that I don’t have to travel to a foreign country and preach the Gospel to be a missionary, I can be one at home!

I am a firm believer in the fact that God has put me in this specific place, studying this specific degree, with these specific people around , for a reason. I am the first to admit that I do not have the impact on the people around me that I would like to have.  With studies, I often find myself being consumed by work, almost hiding myself from the world until my assignment or test is done. I feel a heavy conviction with regards to this area of my life and it is something that I am now working on.

I was hit hard after reading Mark 16:15 where Jesus commands us to go unto ALL THE WORLD and spread the Good News. I thought about who I was impacting around me...I have many Christian friends who are positive influences on me, but it’s not them that I need to share the Gospel with. I have many friends whom I love incredibly, but do not know the Lord and I often ask myself “Am I doing all that I can for them?”, “Do they see something different in me? Do they see God’s light in me?”.

Charles Spurgeon , a British preacher in the 1800’s, gives us Christians such a strong challenge – “if sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees. Let no one go there UNWARNED and UNPRAYED for.“

I know this is heavy, but it’s really something God has opened my eyes to. We, as Christians, need to be constant lights in the darkness. 1 Peter 1:13-16 sets us another difficult challenge: “Therefore, prepare your minds for ACTION; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the GRACE to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.”

I just want to remind you that living for God’s glory should be at the centre of all our lives, and we should focus on sharing what God has done in our lives with others...focus on sharing His love with those around you...be that light in the darkness...Remember that being a Christian isn’t “just for Sundays”, we must be constant ambassadors for Him wherever we find ourselves.

I pray that you all have a fantastic week...and, being Father’s Day, don’t forget the unconditional love our Father in Heaven has for us and give Him thanks and praise!

Peace and Love everybody


A

3 comments:

  1. Hey Guys

    I know exactly what you mean when you say that your degree basically consumes your life, I often feel the same way about mine, and it can only become more demanding as we progress with our courses. What would you say helps you to 'stay on track' with your spiritual life?

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  2. Hey Edwin

    Great question! I'm not sure how J copes, but personally I find that time management is the ultimate key! It's so easy to let things get out of hand, but if you keep to a schedule you'll find that you are able to cope better and you'll find you have more time for yourself.

    I also find that surrounding yourself with people who have a burning passion for Christ helps incredibly! I currently stay in a Christian commune filled with missionaries from all over and I must say, this has helped keep me on track immensely! We have a set Bible study every week, as well as "share and prayer" together. It's key to be part of a larger Christian community...obviously your relationship with God is personal, but there's nothing quite like being encouraged by other fellow believers!

    Regards
    A

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  3. Hey A

    Thanks for the advice, I think that's a good idea as our day to day troubles often mask the bigger picture.

    Cheers :)

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