‘The key to the missionary’s devotion is
that he is attached to nothing and to no one except our Lord Himself. It does not mean simply being detached from the external
things surrounding us. Our Lord was amazingly in touch with the ordinary things
of life, but He had an inner detachment
except toward God. External detachment is often an actual indication of a
secret, growing, inner attachment to the things we stay away from externally.
The duty of a faithful
missionary is to concentrate on keeping his soul completely and continually
open to the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. The men and women our Lord sends
out on His endeavors are ordinary human
people, but people who are controlled
by their devotion to Him, which has been brought about through the work of
the Holy Spirit.’ CHAMBERS
How can someone go off from the life they have had
and do something totally different?
Leaving behind family, friends, the things they used to enjoy as leisure
… earthly devotions. Every Christian,
not just missionaries, is faced with the choice of devotion. The rich young ruler was faced with that
choice … “Sell all you have and follow Me” Jesus told him. The man left sad … Follow me, Jesus said to
James and Andrew .. Matthew, Peter, and well .. you know the others .. they
left what they were doing and followed Jesus. Did they stop fishing? Not at first … But there is no record that
after Jesus ascension and Pentecost that they ever returned to their nets. Jesus made them ‘fishers of men’.
When we follow Jesus, we are asked to do what is contrary
to what our culture values .. even what it calls ‘good’ and responsible. (Matthew 12:47-49) “Someone told him [Jesus], “Your mother and brothers are standing
outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and
who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother
and my brothers.” What is up with that?
Did Jesus forsake his affection for his family? No. But
His affection for the work of his Father was greater … for the purpose He came
to fulfill. It’s all about
perspective. Remember at the cross,
Jesus asked John to take care of his mother … (John 19:26)
What has God called you to do? Are you willing to
let your natural affections take a second seat to the Lord? Romans 12:1-2 says to lay your life down for
God .. don’t try to follow after the world’s definition of ‘good’ but look to
God. He will not call you to something
that He does not equip you for … and when you walk in that purpose … your life
will shine like the sun …..
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)
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