On a Mission from God!

by Jim Corder

A long time ago, John Belushi and Dan Akroyd starred in a couple movies as the Blues Brothers. The most popular quote from this rather unique dynamic duo was, "We're on a Mission from God". This seems appropriate today -- World Mission Sunday -- as the Universal Church reminds us we are all on a Mission from God. The question, of course, is this: Do we act like it?

Do You Walk the Walk?

We are called to be witnesses to the Christ we profess. So how are you doing? How does your life demonstrate your faith? Have you taken the faith in your heart and lived the life that such faith demands? Or is your faith the best kept secret in your life?

Our goal of this life should be to speak and act according to the convictions we profess.

There is one of Paul's letters to Timothy that is sometimes appropriate to be read during a funeral, especially if the deceased was a faith-filled person, and it is very appropriate on World Mission Sunday. In it, Paul says, "...the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:6-2)

Paul is reflecting on his life of faith. He is saying that he is ready to go to die and is reflecting on all that has happened and how his faith had such a huge impact on how he lived. Paul's missionary life was the most documented in the history of the Church. He shared the gospel of Jesus through his words and deeds, from the time of his conversion until his death. Paul is a great model for us.

Do You Live the Love?

The most powerful means of fulfilling this goal is by living an authentic Christian life -- a life filled with love, mercy, kindness, compassion and a forgiving spirit.   Gandhi used to say:   "My life is my message."  He often challenged others to observe the "apostolate of the rose."   A rose doesn't preach, but it radiates its fragrance and attracts everyone to it by its irresistible beauty.   Hence, the most important thing is not the words we use, but the life we live. 

This is how the early Christians behaved.   Their gentile neighbors used to say:  "See how these Christians love one another."   The Christ they recognized and accepted was the Christ who lived in each Christian.

Are You On a Mission from God?

World Mission Sunday is the day when we remember we are on a mission everyday. To reflect the love and compassion of the God that loves us. We are to be so inspired that our actions and our attitudes let people know that God is the God of our lives.

And just like Dan Akroyd and John Belushi, we'll be able to say that we're on a mission from God!

Life Applications:

How do you "walk the walk"?
How do you "live the love"?
What actions show your Christian beliefs?
Are you on a mission from God?

Copyright 2004 by Jim Corder
All rights reserved.