What sins prevents you from living on mission? Selfishness? Fear? Apathy?
Sometimes we go to a conference or on a mission trip, and we get fired up to live on mission for the rest of our lives. But then we come home, and a wet blanket slowly smothers our zealous flame as everyday life kicks back in. So often, we find ourselves like Paul, not practicing what we want to do, and even doing what we hate (Romans 7:15-18).
The Christian life is a constant battle against our flesh, the world and the devil. And each of these is prone to keep us from participating in the mission God has invited us into.
But thankfully, God is committed to His people and His mission. As Genesis 12:1-13 says,
“The Lord said to Abram:
Go from your land,
your relatives,
and your father’s house
to the land that I will show you.
2 I will make you into a great nation,
I will bless you,
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt,
and all the peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
His grace propelled Abram to leave everything he knew out of obedience, and it propels us to live on mission. God calls people to Himself, not because they earn it or deserve it, but solely because of His good pleasure. Adam, Noah, Abram and all subsequent children of God are called into relationship with Him because of His gracious initiative.
CONSIDER: How could the grace of God propel you on mission this week?
God’s mission requires change. Imagine what people thought of old Noah building a big boat in the middle of a field. Imagine the change required for Abraham to leave his homeland and follow God into an unknown future. For God’s children to live on mission, we too must leave places of comfort in order to obey Him.
CONSIDER: What do you need to leave behind to live on mission?
God’s mission is meant to be a blessing to all people. God would once again fill the earth through the family of Noah. He would fill the earth, like the stars fill the sky, with those in the family line of Abram. Through Abram’s line, all the peoples of the earth would receive blessing.
CONSIDER: How could God use you to be a blessing to others this week?
Our sin does not disqualify us from the mission of God. This week, let us throw off the sins that so easily entangle us and run with endurance the race God has put before us (Hebrews 12:1).
Read more about how Southern Baptists across North America are living on mission every day in our summer issue of On Mission Magazine.
Published August 3, 2021