When You Wonder WhySample

Living Life on Mission

“What is the most important thing to do with my life?” -Cale, 17, Oklahoma

When you hear the word missionary, what comes to mind? Foreign languages, overseas travel, or preaching to the masses? Maybe you find that kind of life exciting, or maybe you’re thinking, “That’s great for some people, but it’s not for me.”

The truth is, all Christians are called to be missionaries. We are all called to reflect Jesus in how we live our lives and introduce others to him wherever we are, no matter what career we feel called to.

The greatest commandments Jesus gave us were to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These can be tied to what’s known as the Great Commission, when Jesus commanded his followers to go out and make disciples of all nations. We fulfill the Great Commission both in how we speak and act. How we treat others and live our lives when people are watching and when they aren’t, not only shapes us to become more like Jesus, but it points others toward him, too. God’s kingdom is one where all people are accepted, forgiven and embraced. There is no better news than this and no more important calling to be a part of.

Living your life on a mission doesn’t require you to travel to another country. Some people are called overseas, but others are called to reflect God at home. Both are important.

Maybe you’re called to become a doctor, a stay-at-home parent, a pastor or a businessperson. Wherever you are and whatever you do, do it with integrity and work to reflect the character of God. You’ll always have chances to share the gospel with people in your sphere of influence, telling them what God has done for you, modeling his goodness and loving others selflessly.

What does it look like for you to live on a mission today? How does this affect the way you think about your future?