I read a great devotional that I would like to share.
It was written by a new blog friend, Ilona. She posted an entry from her devotional diary that was a really great summation of Luke 18.
Humility will also come through prayer. How can I possibly enter the presence of the almighty God and walk away thinking I’m somebody? I can walk away overjoyed that His Spirit works in and through me, that He loves me and molds me, and that through Him I can do all things. But to act like I have the right to treat people as if they are lesser than I is…pharisaical!
Read the rest…
November 10, 2007 at 7:57 am
was reading something you wrote on another blog…
My husband and I hope to one day be missionaries. Most of our friends in our district are missionaries. My hubby has felt called to be a missionary since he was a kid, but the timing hasn’t been right yet. There is still plenty of time, though
when I read that I knew what you meant…but it hit me that it doesnt come across that way. It comes across that you cant be a missionary right where you are…which is our calling..to be missionaries whereever we are…even when you “get called” to another country or area…again..you arent a special person…you are still a missionary..just in a different location. Sorry if this offends you but I thought…you are a missionary no matter where you are..and just because you are in a different country doesnt make you anymore of a missionary then I am. Think thats what is wrong with religion..we still want recognition that we are doin more for God as missionaries in other lands then those of us who are missionaries every day of our life where we live…God Bless you and be a missionary each an everyday of your life…the greatest commandment and the one for the christian…”love one another as thyself” which means show love to all everywhere and help what you can…an Show Gods love
November 10, 2007 at 8:45 am
Elaine – I appreciate what you pointed out. And I am not offended in any way. My statement is easily fixed by using “foriegn missionary” next time.
I do want to make it clear that I don’t think that foreign missionaries are any better than anyone else. I just hope to one day be one. Not because I think they are any better but because I think being a missionary in a foreign country would be a different kind of challenge (not better or more important, just different). I am a pastor and I do realize that being a missionary is a call we each have every day. I am already doing my best, with God as my guide, to fulfill that mission where I am. Thank you for your comment.
November 10, 2007 at 10:19 am
Elaine (and red) – I beg to differ with your opinion(s).
Being a missionary IS a calling distinct from serving and sharing Christ where you are. You say “we are all missionaries right where we are”. May I suggest this: “We are all WITNESSES where we are. We are all called to be salt and light in the setting in which God has put us”.
You also say, “just because you are in a different country doesnt make you anymore of a missionary then I am.” This statement shows me several things:
You don’t personally know well any missionaries, and you have never lived or worked in another culture, and the biblical premise of the word ‘missionary’ has been lost. The word ‘missionary’ was not used with the disciples, nor the apostles UNTIL they were sent (set aside by the Holy Spirit through prayer and fasting to go to another location) by the local church. (Acts 13)
It has nothing to do with doing more or less for God. It does have everything to do with being obedient to His will. The difference being is that obeying the call to another country, or cultural setting, is a tremendous sacrifice…more than staying in a cultural setting that one is comfortable with and understands. Trust me in this; I speak from experience.
Another thing I believe you overlooked is the Biblical teaching of the offices of the church. Eph 4 says “and he gave some to be apostles (missionaries), some to be evangelists, some to be prophets, and some to be pastors and teachers.” Notice, he didn’t give all, he gave some. Are we all pastors? Are we all teachers? Prophets? You get my point.
When we see things in true Biblical perspective, then we see clearly.
I’ve written an article on this very thing. I may post it soon on my blog. It’s title “Are we all missionaries?” if you’re interested in reading it when it’s up.
BTW, the blog you read redheadrev’s quote on was mine.
God bless you as you seek to know Him and His word in deeper ways.
ih
November 10, 2007 at 10:38 am
ih – Thank you for that. You are so right. I was mostly addressing Elaine’s thought that I thought foreign missionaries were better spiritually or something, which isn’t true. As long as each of us is doing our best to follow what God has asked us to do (no matter where), we are all equally in God’s will. But you are right about “missionary” losing its meaning. My apologies for not thinking that through better. I admire missionaries for all they do and the sacrifices made to learn a new language and culture. I would never want any missionary to think that I think their job/call is unimportant. I think that should be clear clear through my desire that God calls me to it. You definitely have a different call than those of us who are not called to leave our country to minister. But, we are all called to be witnesses, like you say and Elaine is probably meaning. You are so right. Thanks for helping to further clarify.
My writing seems about as clear as mud to me right now. I hope I made some sense. I understand what Elaine is saying, but ih is right that she is saying it wrong. More mud…
November 10, 2007 at 7:48 pm
red – here’s a saying in Mexico everybody says: tranquilo. This simply means “don’t worry about” or “not a big deal” or very simply, “relax”.
In other words, don’t take these comments so seriously or so personally. Honestly, there’s no offense whatsoever on my part, and I certainly didn’t intend there to be on yours either. As sisters in Christ,
it’s okay to have varying opinions, and we certainly can agree to disagree.
Remember, iron sharpens iron.
You are a very unique person with talents, gifts and abilities. You also are very intelligent! Take these opportunites to allow your thoughts/beliefs in certain areas to be molded.
And remember, God gave you a covering: your husband. (yes, even in stuff like this) Use him as a sounding board. Listen to his advice. God will bless you through him.
And keep your mind, above all, stayed on Christ. He will give you wisdom and peace.
-Ilona
p.s. There’s a saying you may have heard regarding the early years of A/G leaders:
“In essentials there was unity, in non-essentials, charity” Amen!
November 10, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Thanks, Ilona. You are such an encouraging person!
I’ve heard another version of that quote from the Moravians we are friends with. “In essentials, unity, in non-essentials,liberty and in all things love.” It’s kind of the Moravian motto. Very well put. Thanks for the reminder.
November 12, 2007 at 11:00 am
I didn’t know that (about the Moravians). Okay, so in the future, when I quote that “essential” verse, I’ll give credit appropriately.
November 12, 2007 at 11:09 am
My hubby thought it was originally from Augustine. He wasn’t sure, though.