As we celebrate milestones in our faith journey, it’s natural to reflect on how far we’ve come. We rejoice in the connections made, the lives transformed, and the spiritual growth experienced. But amidst our celebration, we must remember that our mission extends far beyond the walls of our church community.
Consider the story of Ed Gamson, a dentist who accidentally booked a flight to Grenada in the Caribbean instead of Granada, Spain. One small letter made the difference between his intended destination and where he actually ended up. This amusing anecdote serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. If we’re not careful, we too can lose sight of our true destination and purpose.
It’s easy to become comfortable with where we are, to love it “here.” But God calls us to look beyond our immediate surroundings. The mission isn’t just about us “here,” but about reaching those out “there.” We’re called to take what we have experienced and share it with others who haven’t yet encountered God’s love and grace.
This mission is clearly outlined in Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His disciples:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse provides a roadmap for our mission. It starts right where we are – in our own “Jerusalem.” We don’t need to travel far to be missionaries; sometimes it’s as simple as walking across the room or reaching out to a neighbor. From there, our influence expands outward, like ripples in a pond, reaching our wider community, our nation, and ultimately, the entire world.
Jesus gave us a direct mission, and we don’t need to reinvent the wheel or vote on what we should do. Our purpose is clear: to connect people with Jesus. We are called to be His witnesses, sharing what we have personally experienced in our walk with God.
Think about some of the most important introductions you’ve had in your life. Maybe it was meeting a celebrity or being introduced to your future spouse. Now imagine the profound impact of introducing someone to Jesus – the Creator of the universe, the Savior who loves them unconditionally. There’s no introduction more important or life-changing than that.
But how do we share our faith effectively? It’s not about beating people over the head with the Bible or turning every conversation into a sermon. Instead, it’s about living out our faith consistently, looking for those open doors God provides where we can naturally share what He’s doing in our lives. When we genuinely care about people and build relationships, they’ll be more open to hearing our story.
The beauty of this mission is that there are no limits to how far we can take the Good News. With modern technology and global connections, we can reach every race in every place. God has chosen us as His plan to tell the world about Jesus. There is no backup plan – we are it.
However, we’re not left to accomplish this mission on our own. Jesus promised that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. We have God’s very Spirit living within us, empowering and guiding us as we share His love with others.
As we embrace this mission, we witness incredible transformations. Marriages are restored, people are freed from addictions, lives are saved from despair, and individuals discover new purpose and meaning. Each of these stories is a testament to God’s power working through ordinary people who said “yes” to His call.
It’s crucial to remember that this mission isn’t just for pastors or church leaders. It’s for every believer. Each of us has a unique role to play, whether it’s extending a personal invitation, serving behind the scenes, or being a friendly face to welcome newcomers. When someone new joins God’s family or takes a step of faith through baptism, it’s a collective victory for the entire community of believers who have played a part in that journey.
So, how can we actively participate in this mission? Here are a few practical steps:
- Pray for open doors: Ask God to bring three people into your life who need to hear about His love. Commit to praying for them daily.
- Be ready to share: Prepare your personal testimony – how has God changed your life? Practice sharing it in a concise, compelling way.
- Look for opportunities: Be attentive to the needs of those around you. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness can open the door to deeper conversations.
- Invite others: Don’t underestimate the power of a personal invitation to a church service or event.
- Serve: Find ways to use your gifts and talents to serve others, both within the church and in your community.
Remember the words of the angels to the disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven:
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:11)
These words serve as a gentle reminder that while we anticipate Christ’s return, we have work to do. We can’t just stand around, basking in the glow of our past experiences. There’s a world of people out there who need to see Jesus through us – His hands and feet on earth.
Imagine the joy of arriving in heaven one day and discovering the ripple effect of your faithfulness. Perhaps someone will approach you and say, “I’m here because of your prayers,” or “Your kindness showed me what God’s love looks like.” Every act of obedience, every word of encouragement, every sacrificial gift can have an eternal impact.
As we celebrate what God has done in our lives and our faith communities, let’s not forget the bigger picture. We are part of a grand, global mission to share God’s love with every person on earth. It starts right where we are, but it doesn’t end there. Let’s embrace the adventure of taking the Good News from here to there and everywhere, empowered by the Holy Spirit and driven by the love of Christ.
What step will you take today to be part of this mission?