Mission-Minded

I resolve to be a mission-minded person, empowered and led by the Holy Spirit, whose transforming life demonstrates the good news of the Kingdom of God in the midst of the darkness.

Yesterday I explained my choice of the word "resolve," and today I want to highlight the object of my resolve: to be a mission-minded person. The mission's aim is defined in Matthew 28:19-20 when Jesus says,

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus charges His followers in this mission to make disciples through teaching obedience to His commands. This process, in turn, fulfills the goal of the mission which is to increase the scope of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom isn't a geographical place or a location, but rather it exists in the hearts of people when they act in accordance with His will and commands. God is most glorified when His Kingdom expands by holding greater sway over the hearts of people. Thus, whenever we surrender more control to Him or use our abilities and efforts to encourage others to do the same, we are on the mission. We are mission-minded people who are expanding the Kingdom of God and participating in the central mission in all of history (glorifying God).

Allow me to be eminently practical for a moment. Being a mission-minded person starts with surrendering yourself to the will of Christ. Is there an attitude or action in you right now that the Lord has been asking for you to address and change? If so, your first missional step is to do business with God in that area.

Only then are we able to use our lives to point those around us to Christ. More on that tomorrow, Lord willing.