Mission Trip Checkup: On MissionSample

You Wear a Uniform

(This is the second of three plans in the “Mission Trip Checkup” series. If you’re preparing for your mission trip, please consider reading part one, “Mission Trip Checkup: Getting Ready,” first.)

You’re on a mission trip! Months of planning and preparation have gotten you to this point. Let the work begin!

Day one is your day to suit up. Have you put on your uniform?

Paul shows us in 2 Corinthians that every day, we wear uniforms identifying us as Christ’s representatives. “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20a).

How does this look on the mission field? When your teammates, fellow travelers, or the people you’re serving look at you, your demeanor, actions, and words show them not only who you are but also the Savior you represent, whose desire is to reconcile all people to Himself.

Have you ever noticed yourself acting differently when you wear something that represents a business, church, cause, or organization? Representing more than ourselves does that to us. Like a doctor pulling on a white coat or scrubs, uniforms set the expectation that we are equipped to fulfill a role with excellence and honor. It establishes trust. Professionals—even if they’re off duty—need to display wisdom as long as they are in uniform, because their actions represent their office.

24/7, we wear the uniform of a Christ ambassador. We don’t ever hang our uniforms up, even temporarily. On mission and always, we represent Christ in everything we say and do—to believers and unbelievers alike. People should see God in us even when they don’t know we are Christians.

In the coming days, try to picture yourself in this Kingdom uniform. Not in a way that portrays you as better, but as someone who represents the One who is love, righteousness, mercy, and light.

Practical Considerations:

• Now that you’ve embarked, it’s a great time to think back to when you first decided why you wanted to go on this trip. Realign yourself with why you are here.
• Is there a piece of inexpensive jewelry (like a rubber bracelet or ring) you can wear (or switch to another wrist or finger) to remind you of your uniform? The unfamiliar sensation can help to bring your ambassadorship to mind frequently.