A Few Phrases
In listening to people talk, I have noticed a few phrases to be careful of:
1. ”If it wasn’t for people, I would love the ministry.” This is said in jest, I know, but I wonder how many take it to a different level. Do you love people? Is there a desire to help them? Encourage them? We say we want the world reached with the Gospel but miss the people that are around us every day. Did I witness yesterday? Will I witness today? Will I encourage, help, love someone today?
2. ”I can’t wait to get to the field and get started.” I realize this is said in reference to getting to the field. There is nothing wrong with it unless you are not doing now what you are excited about doing when you reach another piece of real estate. What things are you working on now that you will continue once arriving to the field?
3. ”The Indians at that hotel….” I get tickled at this. A missionary going to a foreign land where he and his family will undoubtedly be the minority are getting irritated with a “foreigner” at a hotel. Let me just say, You are in for one big surprise when you get to the field! You preach missions but is there bigotry in your heart?
These are just a few to get you thinking about what you may be saying. Make a list of phrases you have heard that may have been said off the cuff, but but reveal a deeper problem. Be careful of who you hang around. Make a conscious attempt to keep your attitude right. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Just a little food for thought.
Love you guys,
Bro. Tony
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Comments
Amen Bro. Tony,
Great observations. I have always said if a person is not doing what they should here, then they probably won’t do anything on the field. Your observation #3 is also one of the things I hear that really bothers me too. I think in America, Sunday morning 11 a.m. is the most segregated hour of the week. May God help us to see that the world is our mission field and that everyone we meet has a soul that will either spend eternity in Heaven or Hell, and that God allowed us contact with them to share His grace and mercy.
good stuff. I like it. Let me recommend a book to your guys to be reading. Cross-cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility by Duane Elmer
I am currently reading it and it has some really good things for missionaries