To Be Continued: Until Then

Your mission…should you choose to accept.

We’ve reached the final week of Winter. This is exciting for me in two ways. First off, it’s Spring next week. Maybe the snow won’t melt overnight, but it’s a sign that the grass will show up one day soon. It also means the To Be Continued series has reached its end. Over the last three months, I’ve done my best to cover some of today’s important issues, namely ones that won’t be resolved anytime soon but still require us to do our part in the interim.

I’d love to know your thoughts on the series. Did you enjoy my approach? Or was it too theological? And if you have suggestions or ideas for my Spring series (which begins next week), please let me know! I deeply value your support and feedback.

As this series culminates, I pray we won’t forget what we’ve learned. No matter how the world looks today, Jesus has a calling for our lives, and it would be a shame not to follow His leading. I’ve tried to share practical steps for doing so, but we can still easily lose hope when we don’t see answers. I’ve also struggled with defining what a mission field looks like. What do we do “until then?” – until Jesus returns?

So to wrap everything up, here’s an approach to living a life on mission and with purpose, in the classic 5 Ws & H approach.

Who?

Romans 12:4-5 (NLT) says, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”

While we don’t all have the same calling, we all have a calling. Everyone has a job to do in the body of Christ. God has a special job for you. He wants you to be part of His family, and He wants you to take part in the great commission.

What?

God’s command is “simple”. In Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) Jesus declares, “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Our calling in life is to make disciples of all nations. In other words, we’re supposed to be witnesses for Christ Jesus.

Where?

Note that Jesus didn’t say “Make disciples of some nations” or “Make disciples of most nations”. He said, “Make disciples of all nations” (emphasis added). This includes every country in the world, but it also includes the mission fields God has placed you in.

You can make disciples while on a missions trip, but you can also make disciples in your home, in your school, in your workplace, on your sports team, in your church, at the grocery store, and everywhere in between. Every interaction is an opportunity to show the love and character of Christ.

When?

This part is up to God. Jesus prepared for 30 years, then ministered day and night for 3 years. Only God knows the perfect timing. If you’re still waiting for “God’s call”, then know He’s preparing your heart. And don’t get so caught up in your “ultimate purpose” that you miss your “day-to-day” purpose.

Jesus was ministering to others (such as the temple leaders), well before His “ultimate purpose” was lived out. In every circumstance, use your words and actions to show others Jesus.

Why?

God cared enough to send His son to die for us. Jesus cared enough to be willing to die for us. Jesus gave everything, and there are billions of people out there who haven’t realized how incredible that is.

We’ve been given a job – a job that matters far more than any earthly one. This job has eternal implications. This job is worth more than anything money can buy.

How?

God has a different, unique plan for each of us. Some are called to reach thousands, while others are called to save one soul. Some are called to win souls overseas, some are called to win souls in their neighbourhood. How do we figure out what that looks like?

James 1:5 (NLT) says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God knows the plans He has for you, and I guarantee you they involve ministering for His kingdom. Why don’t you try asking Him?

Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago, and one day He will return. Humanity witnessed the beginning, and one day we’ll witness the end. Until then, it’s to be continued. Allow me to finish with Jesus’ final words (until He returns), found in Matthew 28:20b…

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”