“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
I used to think that the highest calling was to be a missionary. I felt like my life was worth nothing if it was not going to be invested in full-time, lifelong mission work. I felt guilty for living a nice life and not experiencing poverty or severe persecution like some missionaries face.
The fact of the matter is, God calls all of us to perform mission work in one form or another. And to God, they are equivalent in importance. God calls some to go overseas and become full-time missionaries, but God also calls many others to give. After all, missionaries need support in order to continue their work. Full-time missionaries wouldn’t be able to effectively continue the work God gave them without the funds of others working to give to God. We who are not full-time missionaries are called to live to give to others, and that is just as important as being a full-time missionary.
Are you struggling with feelings of self-doubt about your importance in God’s kingdom? Perhaps you are struggling with guilt for being able to live comfortably. Remember that the best way to fulfill your calling at home is to give, especially to missions through prayer and financially. Sometimes God calls us to become uncomfortable by giving more and spending less on ourselves. This calls for just as great a self-sacrifice as those who give their lives to mission work.
Dear Lord, give us the assurance we need to be content with being givers behind the scenes and inspire us in our missions. Bless the work of all involved with spreading the Gospel. Amen.
Take Action
If you have not been called to full-time mission work, then you have been called to give. Make a concerted effort to give more to missions this month, whether it be a one-time gift or a dedicated commitment to give more on a monthly basis, all make a difference in the kingdom of God!
Support the hardworking missionaries at The Life!