The Missionary

He said to them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

To be a Christian is to be a missionary. The life of the Spirit need not remain stagnant. Indeed God's love cannot but radiate outwards into the world...the world which awaits the love of God who alone fulfills and satisfies. The imperative of Christ is not only a marching order for all Christians but a unique characteristic of the Word of God. It works within filling the heart with so much joy that overflows...making it possible to go where one's personal comforts will not usually allow. Yes, there will be opposition, difficulties and even emotional pains but victory is assured ---for doing battle for the Almighty....one cannot be defeated.



The mission field is an area for the brave and daring not for the faint-hearted. But of course, no one goes to a battle even before counting the costs. The goal and the harvest is so great that what one can do-- can only be a matter of how much one can give. For the giving, Mother Teresa once said, "...give until it hurts." This brings us to the reality of the cross because giving among Christians will always be sacrificial. It does not depend on where one wants to go but where the Spirit leads them. Jesus once said to Peter: "Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." (John 21:18) The Lord said these words but only after He asked Peter the three-fold question: "Do you love me?"

How can I ever answer You, Lord...if you asked me this question. Will I give you the proper and expected answer? But that won't work, Lord because You know what goes in my heart. I cannot simply lie to You, Lord. Will I rather ask You Lord to change the question because we know what happens to those who have loved You. I must confess. . . I am afraid. I have heard once that there is no fear in love but perfect love cast out fear . . . so that's it . . . my love is not perfect. I have so many attachments . . . so many things that I simply cannot let go. Then how can I be a missionary? How can you ever send someone like me?