If You’re Still Breathing, You’re Still Sent

What do you think a missionary should actually do?

I’ve thought a lot about that question. I hope this doesn’t offend anyone, but I sometimes wonder if we’ve made mission work a little too shallow.

We travel to faraway places, sing some songs, hand out supplies, do some good work—all of which are wonderful, but is that really what it means to be on mission for Jesus?

How much can any of us really do in a week if we never actually tell someone about Him? That’s why I’ve always respected how Billy Graham did it.

He and his team prayed for the city long before they ever arrived. They prepared that city one year in advance so they would be ready for Billy’s arrival. They trained, prepared, invited, and then simply showed up and told people about Jesus. And God moved in a massive way.

The Apostle Paul was like that too. He said:

“Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message. Pray that we can preach the secret that God has made known about Christ. This is why I am in prison. Pray that I can speak in a way that will make it clear, as I should. Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity. When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.” (Colossians 4:2–6 NCV)

Paul never stopped. Even in prison, he was figuring out ways to share Jesus with the guards.

He didn’t complain about being there; he used it. He was careful about how he lived in front of unbelievers and was always kind in how he spoke. He was tougher on believers who should have known better, but he never stopped loving people enough to tell them the truth.

I think that’s what being on mission looks like to me. It’s not about going somewhere new, it’s about being faithful right where you are.

The world is full of people looking for the same things: happiness, peace, freedom, fulfillment, meaning, and purpose. And the truth is, (not to sound too churchy) - Jesus is the answer to every one of those longings.

He forgives. He heals. He saves. He died for our sins and rose again, defeating death itself. So when we die, and we all will, it’s not loss, it’s gain.

Paul said: “To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be gain.” (Philippians 1:21 NCV)

So maybe today’s mission field isn’t across the ocean. Maybe it’s across the street.

Maybe it’s the coworker sitting next to you, the friend who’s struggling, or the family member who’s drifted away from faith.

I love that verse about the disciples after they walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus: “It felt like a fire burning in us when Jesus talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us.” (Luke 24:32 NCV)

That’s the kind of fire I want in me, all the time, every day. Not a loud one. Not a showy one. Just a steady flame that never goes out.

LORD, help me live on mission every day You give me life and love. Let me be kind, wise, and ready to share your love and the story of Jesus Christ. Light a fire in me that doesn’t fade. Remind me that if I’m still breathing, I’m still sent. IJNIP amen ♥️