Have you ever considered doing a mission in the remotest area of the world?
Many missionaries know how hard it is to start and develop a mission in a remote, poor, unsafe village with no roads, water or electricity. Despite the fact that anyone who serves in such areas is already brave and courageous, I believe that our outlook and spiritual preparation plays a key role in overcoming difficulties and having a successful mission incorporating both physical and spiritual healing. I hope these thoughts will inspire and challenge each of us wherever in the world your mission field lies.
God has gifted us with many different personalities. Some of us may need encouragement to direct our thoughts in the following manner as we may be naturally inclined to thoughts which can be detrimental to our success. Given this tendency for many of us, we should recognize the need to think through the caveats of our personality tendencies and commit to prayer before getting involved in such a mission. Doing so will allow us to be fully prepared both mentally and spiritually and is critical to mission success!
Below, I'll outline 2 common patterns that we can easily fall into based on our personalities and mental penchants. Lastly, I share a biblical view that I pray can shape our patterns as we engage in missions.
Self Focused Rather Than Other Focused (James without 1st Corinthians 13)
It is natural for us to have self preservation and self focus front and center in our minds. However, we risk going into missions and being more interested in our own lives and not being rooted in the full love of Christ. We may do many missions oriented works, but not radiate His love. This limits the interaction we have with others and usually results in minimal impact for the gospel and for Christ’s love. In dangerous and difficult places, we can be consumed with negative thoughts; working without joy and discovering that the mission has become a burden in our minds. Only with careful preparation and intensive prayer can we move our natural “self- focused” mentality to becoming “other-focused.”
Having sympathy without empathy (The "caring" bulldog in a china shop)
Some of us are naturally sympathetic yet lack for the filter of empathy that is important while serving. We may talk or act before thinking and this leads to not controlling our actions through prayer and meditation. We may be aggressive in our mission attitude and be concerned with “conquering the project”, the numbers or quantity and accidently overlook quality. In this regards, we may leave behind casualties due to our overzealous, not-so cautious attitude. In addition, we may leave behind complications and mistakes without even recognizing this. With this situation, people may be led away from God and it often takes much hard work to fix issues after this mission is done and the dust has settled.
Having a Biblical outlook for missions (Key ingredients for mission readiness)
The Bible provides an amazing amount of truths that should guide us in working through difficult missions. Here are ten of my favorite guiding principles for your reflection:
1. Our preparations
Preparing for mission involves deep prayer and discernment from God which results in a serene attitude and confidence that we are where God has placed us. If your presence does not go with me, do not send us up from here. Exodus 33:15.
2. Our daily focus
Prepare to focus our minds entirely on things of heaven bathing every situation in prayer.
Keeping our mind on the good, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, and whatsoever things are lovely, of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, on these things meditate. Philippians 4:8.
3. Our attitude
Our attitude must be humble yet bold despite our weaknesses.
God’s grace is sufficient for you, and His strength is made perfect in your weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
4. Our needs
In times of need during our mission, we must be thankful and care for nothing.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let their requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6
5. Our troubles
In times of things going wrong, we must find optimism and joy as we know that
all things work for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28. In times of danger, we must know that nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. Not tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword. Roman 8:35
6. Our temptations
In times of temptation or doubt be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10.
7. Our fears
There should be no fear in praying since he has promised:
I am with you fear not, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.
8. Our responses
When others stand against us and are rude, we know that a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. He who is slaw to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32. They listen to others with compassion, are swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19.
9. Our works
We are committed to quality at all costs.
They do their best at work, because they do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, knowing that of the Lord they shall receive reward. Colossians 3:23.
10. Our Stronghold
In times of sadness and confusion, we know that the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10. When we feel weak and losing control of things and ourselves, we know that in repentance and rest shall you be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength. Isaiah 30:15.