What motivates me to be a missionary? Why would I live with Deanna and our four daughters in a dangerous neighbourhood? Why live in a foreign country? Why live thousands of miles from family and friends? I can think of five reasons:
- I feel sincerely sorry for non-Christians. God wants as many people as possible in heaven. One day it will be too late for many people.
- God saved me when I did not deserve it. Others were faithful to pray for me, and to “love me back to God.” I want to help others find God.
- There is so much senseless suffering on this earth. When we suffer as Christians we gain eternal rewards. When non-Christians suffer, no rewards. God wants to ease suffering, give hope and He wants to do it through us.
- People back home are standing with us in a team effort. This motivates us to work hard to be as effective as possible with our time and resources.
- My main motivation on the short list this morning is selfish. Have you ever really liked or respected some public celebrity enough that you wanted to be like that person? Have you ever thought you could be friends with that person if life somehow brought your paths together? We get to work with Jesus. Our challenges at “work” are His challenges. He “shares” stuff with us, about how to do things better. He promises to cover for us if we get it wrong. He promises huge, mind boggling rewards if we get it right. He encourages me every morning, and often throughout the day. God is as proud of me as I am of my children: maybe more…but that is the limit of my imagination. There is nothing I would rather do than be a missionary.
So…who wants to join the team?
Me too!!! #6 I love getting to be a missionary with you!!!
Oh Lord You Know!