I’ve begun the realization that I am a missionary, right this moment.
I always have been a missionary, yet my understanding of this truth is deeper than before. There’s a difference between professing that Jesus’ universal commission sends us all out, and allowing that knowledge to invigorate my attitude and interactions in all things.
I’m planning to receive training as a missionary next summer, which definitely kindles excitement and will lend practical credibility to such a claim… yet I still mean something more, unique and partly independent from my upcoming adventures in Zambia.
Friends tell me that God gifted me in multiple ways. When I saw my primary giftings being wisdom and teaching, I thought that a career in writing or editing (with volunteer ministry on the side) would best dispense insight to a mass audience. Now I see in my Spirit-renewed self characteristics such as apostleship to relate and share the Gospel with a variety of people, shepherding to offer sincere care and counsel for the Christian body, and faith for embracing experiences in which my utter need for God is exposed.
Put simply, I see in myself giftings for impacting souls and playing a direct, connective role in the heavenly kingdom. Rather than making a career from my own natural talents and intellectual contributions, I will personally encourage my brothers and sisters, so they can each advance the kingdom in a unique way.
It’s what I want to do. I can always write on the side, as I’ve been blessed to do even for the audience at Geeks Under Grace, and perhaps I’ll even be crafting novels in the eternal new heaven-earth. Serving spiritual needs is a more urgent calling, where I find the greatest reward and passion.
God seems to want me set apart to Him and for building up His bride. I’m going to step forward in faith - whether that means reluctantly adventuring abroad or ministering in the familiarity of my local community - and view each day as the Lord training me toward that end.
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