Eternal value of missions work outweighs risk factors involved in the job
Workers wanted.
Job requirements may include raising financial support as opposed to being paid, no stock options or retirement fund, moving away from friends and family, learning a foreign language and possible death.
Most college graduates would look at that job description and run the other way. Only an idiot would spend four years and tens of thousands of dollars to pursue that type of job.
College students like me are asked nearly every day what we want to do with our lives. People ask because they care. However, when young adults who feel called to international missions answer that question in a way that reflects the uncertain reality of being a missionary, the once clear vision God gave them can begin to cloud.
Hopefully that description gives insight into the doubts young people in America face when they consider dedicating their life to missions. America has become a comfort driven world, yet, very little about becoming a missionary is comfortable.
It has become widely believed that individuals should organize their lives around their own passions, goals and skills, while anyone who speaks against that summation of self is restricting others from being true to themselves.
New York Times columnist David Brooks pushed back against this notion of individual autonomy. Brooks said, as opposed to looking for what a job can give people in life, they should search for a vocation where their gifts meet a need in the world. When a vocation is discovered, it frees young people from needing everyone to approve of their calling.
“A person with a deep vocation is not dependent on constant positive reinforcement,” Brooks said. “The job doesn’t have to pay off every month, or every year. The person thus called is performing a task because it is intrinsically good, not for what it produces.”
This is especially relevant for future missionaries because as Christians, we pray for results, but we know successful church plants and conversions are not guaranteed. Missionaries must be driven by the goodness of the calling and an obedience to God and the Bible.
Throughout the Bible, the importance of missions is stated both explicitly and implicitly. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 makes it clear disciples should be made in all nations and Romans 10:13-14 says people cannot believe if they do not first hear the Gospel preached to them. So, if disciples are to be made, we must go – especially to those who have never heard the name of Jesus.
While God will use whoever He calls and empowers to reach the nations, parents can play a crucial role in helping their kids consider missions if that is where God leads them. In a world that screams at young people to above all else be true themselves, parents should consider incorporating practical ways to teach their children how to listen to that still, small voice that says, “Go.”
For starters, sponsor a child through Compassion International. Post a photo of that child on the fridge, pray for him or her at dinner and take time to write Scripture filled letters to them.
Seek opportunities to serve together as a family, and work to be a part of churches both locally and internationally. Kids should learn from a young age that being a Christian means more than believing a certain doctrine. Instead, our faith should drive us to loving actions.
Have family friends who are from a variety of cultures and religions. Teach your kids how to interact with, love and have a heart for people who are different than them.
Compliments and praise should not be given depending how good they can make their lives, but by the good God can do through their lives.
Parents should demonstrate a willingness to trust God with their lives and, when appropriate, vulnerability with the struggles of walking by faith. My generation needs adults to model how to live abandoned to the Lord.
Finally, and most importantly, raise kids who have a genuine love for God and people who have a desire to share God’s love with people who do not yet know Him.
I understand. It would be harder for me to send someone I love into harm’s way for the gospel than go myself. I also understand the cost of going may be great, but the cost of not going would surely be greater.
Sacrifice will surely be required by both those who go to the nations and those who send people they love, especially if it is their child. But the harvest is plentiful, the workers are few and eternal ramifications are at stake.
Job benefits include realizing your life is not your own, the privilege of letting the Holy Spirit change lives through you and finding true joy in Jesus Christ alone.