Living on Mission

We are people on a mission.

Our risen Lord Jesus told His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21). This is Jesus’ commission to all of us His disciples, people who acknowledge His ownership and submit to His lordship. The apostle Paul aptly used the designation “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor 5:20) to refer to himself and each one who bears the vital message of reconciliation with God.

Our mission

Our mission is to be faithful witnesses for Christ.

Every believer, old and young, has the privilege and responsibility to be a witness for Jesus Christ.  We have the joy of knowing Jesus, have experienced forgiveness and know what it is to be reconciled to God. Our life must be a clear and shining witness of this gospel — not only through our lifestyle, but also with our words. We are to speak and leave behind us a witness of the truth of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ.

It is significant that the Apostle Peter reminded believers living as foreigners and exiles to “maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when He appears” (1 Peter 2:11-12, NET).

The mission that our Lord Jesus entrusted is both shared and specific. One part of it is a responsibility we share with other believers while the other part is unique to us. It is unique as to where we are placed and what the Lord has placed in our hands.

Eternal significance

The mission Jesus entrusted has eternal significance. It will impact the eternal destiny of people. Jesus said, “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:36) For all of us who know this truth, the relevant question is this: “And how can they hear about Him (Jesus) unless someone tells them?” (Rom 10:14) For some folks, you may be the only Christian they will ever know. Indeed, you can be that instrument of blessing to relay the good news of the availability of God’s grace through Jesus Christ to that unique individual.

Urgency

Jesus reminds us that “we must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4) The clock is ticking. We are not to procrastinate or move around aimlessly. We are called to steward our time wisely. We should not live as though we or others have an infinite amount of time. We ought to value the opportunities the Lord provides for us to witness to people in the various circles of our contacts — family, workplace, and in the community. Urgency does clarify our thinking and often helps us order our priorities. There is need for us to live with intentionality.

Purpose and promise

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matt 6:33). Jesus calls us to be singular in the pursuit of God and to live in accordance with God’s reign. This speaks of intentionality on our part.  Attached to this exhortation is the amazing promise — that God will provide for our daily needs. May the words of our Lord Jesus continue to ring out loud in our lives as we set out to live missionally. We can trust God to give His blessings.

By Pastor David LT Yap