My Conclusion (part 3)

I have really struggled writing these last three post. I have struggled with how to write them or whether or not to write them at all. I have written and rewritten them several times. I’ve asked myself why I even bother. No one will really read them and if they do I run the risk of being misunderstood, of offending someone, of being seen as a dissident, a malcontent. So why bother at all. In the end I suppose it is for conscience sake. Mine. This too is a lesson I have learned. As another writer far more famous than I once wrote,
                        “This above all: to thine own self be true,
                        And it must follow, as the night the day,
                        Thou canst not then be false to any man.”      William Shakespeare, Hamlet

My Conclusion:

Missions. In some of the final words of Jesus he said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: (KJV). He didn’t say go and plant churches, feed the poor and build hospitals. He didn’t say drill wells nor did he say start seminaries, orphanages and organizations. He said make disciples as evidenced by the willingness to do all He commanded.

What is a disciple? The free online dictionary defines a disciple in this way.  a. One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. b. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy. In the final analysis missions is about making active adherents of the Gospel. Who are we to actively model? Obviously it is Jesus.

So as I ask the question, “Is our modern mission’s system working?” This, discipleship, must be the measure of our success. Are we making true followers of Jesus, following all the things He commanded us? If we are not, then no, we are not being successful in missions. We cannot measure success by numbers, not by how many churches we plant or how many good deeds we do. The only way we can use these as a measure of success (or not) is when we lack them. This speaks loud and clear. Interestingly enough, we can do all of the “good” things without actually being disciples. But we can’t be disciples without doing these “good” things. Interesting.

So how do we know if we are disciples if we can’t use good deeds or numbers as the measure of success? It is by the quality of our lives. Are we like, or becoming like Jesus?

What does it mean to be like Jesus? Here are a few things to start with.  Loving even to those who wrong you, compassionate to the poor, the weak, the sick. Forgiving others, concerned with injustice to the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Stern in the face of falsehoods, honest with hypocrites. Willing to be scorned and criticized without retaliating. Constantly desiring to do the work and will of the Father. Willing to become poor so others may become rich. Willing to die so others can live. Before we can teach others we must first be disciples ourselves.

How do we make disciples? First we must be disciples ourselves. Discipleship goes far beyond sitting down with someone once a week and studying a scripture verse. It may start there, but goes far deeper. It means modeling through our own lives Christlikeness, being involved in the hurts and struggles of others. It goes beyond casual, superficial relationships. It may be working alongside someone, it may be teaching a class, praying with people, eating a meal or many meals with them. No matter how it happens for you…it will mean spending quality and quantity time with people.   

By using true discipleship as the measure of success in missions, I cannot say whether or not we are being successful. It is far beyond my limited experience. I’m still working on being a disciple myself. But if I were to give any advice to missionaries, to mission’s organizations and churches it would be this.

1.      Use discipleship (becoming more like Jesus) as the true and only measure of success and your main emphasis of effort.

2.      Take a new look at how, why and where we spend money, with the idea of lifestyle/project accountability.

3.      Missions is often seen to be a one way street. Beware of developing a welfare society by always receiving. Freely you have received, freely give. Give out to those you serve just as freely as you have been given to. Give back to those who so faithfully support you. Call those who give individually, thank them, and ask them how you can pray for them. We need encouragement too.

4.      Be honest in all things. We know you are human just like us. We don’t need misleading newsletters, Facebook updates or glowing reports that shade the truth. If you’re discouraged, tell us. If you’re tired of problems, let us know. Just be real.

5.      Churches, before you give…go. Go and check out what and who you’re giving others hard earned money to support. Make sure it’s in line with your vision of missions. Not to micro manage, but so that you can do your part to be accountable. When you do and you are in agreement with what you’re giving to…get behind it wholeheartedly. Send your people down from time to time. There’s nothing quite like having been there.

In the end, my conclusion is this: that missions is well worth all we do. On a purely physical level, the difference we have made and are making is tremendous. On a spiritual level, we may have to wait until the next life to really know. There is a verse in the Bible that says, "To whom much is given, much will be required." or words to that effect. We here in America have been given so much. It is only right that we share with those less fortunate. As Paul writes in 2 Cor. 8:13,14 "For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness." These are words to live by.

Thanks to all of you who have made this journey with me. The past two months have been a highpoint in our lives. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Michael I. Wolfe