I have been a Christ follower for years, but it wasn't until this year that I went on my very first mission trip. As a Christian, I was ashamed of that truth, but what I learned from being on missions is that sharing the Gospel should always be at the top of every day's to-do list. Giving glory to Jesus is a way of life, not something that only happens when you're working with refugees or at a summer camp.
One of the largest oversights in organized religion is how little importance we place on sharing the Gospel in our daily lives. Sure, we talk a good game, and we're moved by revival sermons, but are we truly shining the light of Jesus while we're getting coffee at a local coffee shop, in class, or at the gym? I think the majority of modern-day Christians would answer truthfully, no. We are told to read our Bibles daily, pray daily, and find time for fellowship daily, but being missional only seems to be brought up in reference to mission trips.
While we find time every day to have personal encounters with our Savior, we aren't finding time in every day to share His love with others. In the Bible, living missionally is a commandment, not an option, yet we seem to think we only need to share the grace of the Gospel when we're on a mission trip. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 reads, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (HCSB). Jesus didn't just reserve this command for His disciples; He urges us to do the same. Making disciples is something that requires a relationship, time, and communication. Sometimes witnessing during a mission trip is the first seed planted, but the continued growth of a new believer comes from a committed discipleship. What if the barista, the guy in your math class, or the girl on the treadmill beside you is in need of someone to go through the Word with? You could be that person. That is what blooming where you're planted truly means.
The beauty of living life on missions is that, even when you're in your hometown or at your job, you're sharing the magnificence of the Gospel every second. There are plenty of Bible verses that encourage this type of behavior within believers, but these three are my favorite:
1. "'This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.'" - John 15:12 (ESV)
2. "And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'" - Mark 9:35 (ESV)
3. "'You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.'" - Matthew 5:14-16 (HCSB)
Jesus calls us to love, to serve, and to light up the world, all for His glory. This is missions in its purest form. If we are loving those who are near us just as Jesus loves them, we are sharing the Gospel. If we're serving others instead of ourselves, regardless of where we are, we are sharing the Gospel. And if we are being the salt and light of the Earth, showing God's grace and making disciples, where God has planted us, we are sharing the Gospel. The pattern of the Gospel is love, and we don't have to be halfway across the world to love others. There's definitely nothing wrong with national or international missions trips. I wish I could constantly travel around with a group of believers and help others, while spreading the Word of God, but Jesus puts us where we are for a reason. It isn't a coincidence that a nonbeliever works in the cubicle next to you, and it also isn't a coincidence that there's lost people living in your apartment complex. You are where you are to tell those around you about Jesus.
Go on mission trips and share the Gospel with other believers, but never forget to exemplify the Gospel wherever you are. You never know who you will impact for Christ, but Christ does. He has placed you where you are for a very specific reason. His command is for all of His followers to glorify His name 24/7, 365 days a year. So, whether that be in East Asia, England, or Atlanta, GA, follow His command, live missionally, and make disciples.
