The God of Mission

“It is insufficient to proclaim that the Church of God has a mission in the world. Rather, the God of mission has a Church in the world.” ~ Tim Dearborn

I don't know about you, but when I first read this quote I wasn't automatically taken by it. Then the more I thought about it, the more I saw how profound it really is. At first glance, I just saw the word "mission" as it pertains to "missionaries". I'm not ashamed to admit that while I have a deep respect for people with a heart for work in what most people consider "the mission field", and I love to support that work, I have never felt a calling or tugging in my heart to partake in anything more than support of it. So, I struggled with whether or not I wanted to participate this week. (As always! Can you tell I'm quite indecisive?) ;o)

However, I think if I just left it there I would have missed out. I read it more carefully and seriously pondered the phrase, "the God of mission". Our God has a mission in this world. What is that mission? I believe it is proclaiming His own glory and presenting His truth to His creation (us), and then developing an intimate relationship with His creation (via salvation through Christ) to the perfecting (maturing to the result of mirroring Himself) of that creation. He then commissions his people to reach others in many ways shapes and forms. While the most widely accepted definition of "missionary" is one part of God's mission, it definitely doesn't end there and it does not show the whole of it. Each of us (us being His "church") has a different and unique calling from God on our lives to become mature in Him and further His mission. Some do it in Indonesia, some in Indiana, some in Internet land, some in their home.

In the past, I've written in this blog a little about what I think is part of my mission in life and how I'm great at running from it because it forces me to jump out of my comfort zone, and if you know anything about me at all, you know I'm a comfort-loving gal! It's sort of easy to forget lately with everything else going on in my life, so it's good for me to participate in these things and get these gentle nudges to keep it in the front of my mind. I'm always a little afraid that I'll be a little too timid for just a little too long and miss out on what God has for me. Maybe someone needs to make it their mission in life to not nudge me, but shove me. *giggle* (Did you read that, Lord? I was only kidding...) ;o)

Because it has been running through my head for most of the time I've been writing this post, I'll leave you with the words to a song I wrote a few years ago that I believe is not only the core of my mission as a Christian, but yours as well - reflecting His glory.


Reflection

Silver so impure
Fashion me by your design
Wash me in your fire
That my soul may be refined

'Til all you see is your glory
A portrait of your heart; the colors of your love
A canvas for your artistry
The masterpiece you breathed life into
Make me a reflection of you

From your mighty hands
To each contour of your face
I will mirror you
Be an image of your grace

'Til all you see is your glory
A portrait of your heart; the colors of your love
A canvas for your artistry
The masterpiece you breathed life into
Make me a reflection of you

© Crystal M.H. 2007

Don't forget to visit Laurel Wreath, this week's host, and read her thoughts on the quote. :o)