…for they were tent-makers by trade.
- Acts 18:3
Mission.
God has one for you, he has one for me. Our mission is both broad: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…," (Matthew 28:19); and specific, as was Paul's throughout Asia Minor. It is easy for us to think of Missions - that which happens with dollars we may give through a church, and is carried out by others ("professionals") to reach people in far corners of the world. But I am not referring to missions, I'm talking mission. Mission is carried out by mechanics and managers, teachers and plumbers, coaches and salespeople, etc. - "tent-makers." Mission is for you and me. We are the called.
A mission is personal.
Our specific mission can be lifelong - think Mother Teresa. Sometimes it changes direction and takes on different avenues. Paul, for example, completely changed focus and tactics in Acts 18:6. Having begun on mission to tell Jews the good news of Jesus, his mission focus changed. He became the Apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13).
God has distinctly gifted each of us and prepared us for our mission. He specifically calls us. This preparation is, by the way, an ongoing process. My experience: we will never feel ready or completely capable. Mission requires faith. And faith is trust in the character and power of God.
We easily focus on the mistakes, trials and missed opportunities of our past. We tend to think we have somehow been disqualified, or were never qualified. At the risk of being indelicate, that is a lie; and in it we have somehow overlooked the character and power of God. God invites us right where we are, and as we are, to join him.
Now to be (possibly too) personal and a little vulnerable. I am searching for my mission. Maybe you can relate. More accurately, I am seeking the God who calls; diligently and patiently waiting and listening. That may sound strange coming from a guy who spent over 25 years in the ministry - twelve as a senior pastor. Honestly, I saw church ministry as tent making in a way. My trade has changed. My heart is still mission-focused.
So we live according to Jesus' broad mission for our lives. And we are attentive to his voice leading us into our specific mission(s). At least that's my plan.
God, I will walk in what I know, and change directions where you lead.
For now...
D
