"If you are not going, and if you are not sending, then you are disobeying?"
This saying which, originally came from John Piper, holds an insane amount of truth. Living life as a Christian is not always easy. Our sinful nature draws us to live selfishly and bypass God’s plan for our lives. However, the Bible is clear in its instruction to share God’s love around the world. I believe this simple phrase “go, send, or disobey” is exactly what God commands in the Great Commission.
Missions focuses mainly on "going." When people talk about missions it often means living cross-culturally, giving up the American lifestyle, and making discipleship a full-time job. This is the main point of missions and the overall point of the Great Commission. I want to begin by thanking missionaries and making a point not to discount the amazing work done in the US and countries across the world. Missionaries are so important. They are humble people and so obedient in following God’s plan and commands. It takes a special calling to give up life and obey God. However, I want to emphasize that EVERYONE, every Christian, is called to missions. We are all called to be God’s hands and feet and share Him with everyone. So while certain people are called to get up and go, we are all called to be a witness wherever we are.
The second part is sending. This, while not being the exact focus, is still crucial. Sending can include so many things: prayer, financial giving, encouragement, and often sacrifice. I think Christians often put sending off to the side. They don’t think it really makes a difference and put their own lives ahead of God’s work. This is a HUGE mistake! Sending is incredibly important to God’s people. Missionaries cannot be alone. They need support, they need money, and they need prayers. Prayer most of all, is what I believe to be our most powerful tool. We need to use that. If we as Christians are not going ourselves, our job is to send, plain and simple.
Which leads me to the third part, disobey. If you are not going and if you are not sending, then you are disobeying. You are disobeying God’s command and failing to play your part in our purpose of life. It does not matter your age or season of life. If you can barely make ends meet financially, then pray and encourage. There is no excuse good enough to ignore God’s call on your life (and yes, He did call YOU!). Even as a missionary or a part-time missionary, why not support others? Pray for others who are going and even make your own sacrifices to give to the calling God has given them. Follow God’s command and share who He is with everyone.
Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
