A recent journey took me to a nation with a dangerous reputation.
When I returned, many of my friends reported praying for my safety. Some said they couldn’t imagine going to that part of the world.
I realized two things. First, these kinds of statements demonstrate that my friends love me. I am deeply thankful for this. Second, unfortunately, I believe many of my friends are afraid of missions’ hazards.
Few of my friends have ever been to a nation hostile to the gospel. Most of their understanding comes from a media that loves to stir up fear. Also, workers like me are often just as culpable. Some of our most exciting stories include a little risk or hardship. There is even a temptation to include such tales in our support appeals. Frankly, we like the attention and adventure of visiting difficult places.
Spreading mission’s dangerous mystique is a dangerous mistake.
- The dangers are usually exaggerated; few workers face daily, life-or-death peril.
- Prayer supporters spend disproportionate effort praying for workers’ safety rather than praying for spiritual breakthrough.
- Fear-mongering is contrary to God’s heart. He is Courage and if we know talking about danger will cause fear, we should relate our story in a more God-glorifying way.
- Widespread fear of hostile nations is a major factor in why they’re still unreached. If we want God to send more laborers, why do we allow the Church to remain immobilized by fear?
We need to instill courage in the Church.
Instead of focusing on all the hazards of missions among the unreached, let’s choose to emphasize God’s great plan to reach them.
And when people ask about the dangers that do exist, let’s be honest. Only, let’s not stop at the risks; let’s explain how we manage them. Let’s talk about the power of prayer, the value of training and the blessing of God-given wisdom.
Above all, let’s remind the Church that following Jesus simply is not safe.
Caleb, Joshua, David and Paul understood that following God meant facing danger. It took Jesus all the way to the cross.
The Bible never promises temporal safety. It promises the opposite:
- Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. Matthew 24:9
- In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 1 Thessalonians 3:4
- Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:20a
I think all of us need to be reminded of the cost of following Jesus.
Can we as a missions community simply commit to filling our networks with courage?
Let’s stop focusing on hazards. Let’s take the time to correct false assumptions. Let’s teach our friends how to have courage and let’s inspire them to give their lives for Jesus and for the gospel (Mark 8:35).
The secret of courage is having an eternal perspective.
Our hope is in heaven where the worries of this life will seem fuzzy and mundane. If we can apprehend that concept, make it a public lifestyle, then we’ll see more fruit than most of us have ever dreamed.
God, please show us how to discuss the hazards of missional living in a way that appeals to Your Church, rather than scares Her. Amen.
Welcome Ethne 