live sent.

 

We don't have to be missionaries to live on mission. We can live every moment of every day with the intent of sharing the Gospel, making connections, and being kind. Those are things that doctors, lawyers, nurses, social workers, pilots, business owners, and janitors can all do. Is this nerve-racking? Of course! But, it is 100 percent worth it.

About two weeks ago, I went on a mission trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. There, I heard many pastors and church planters speak on our first two days of training. One specific church planter spoke on how we could make an impact for the rest of our lives, not only just for the one week we would be there. He asked...did we want to live secure or sent? 

Every day we stay in the comfort of our homes or surround ourselves with normal friends doing routine things, we are subjecting ourselves to a life of security and comfort. While this isn't always bad, living in comfort can prevent you from radically following Christ. Sharing the Gospel isn't easy, comfortable, or secure. Following Christ can often contain risks and courage. If we live secure, we stay in our bubble. 

Living "sent" is the opposite. The Lord has called every one of us to go out into the nations and make disciples. This means sharing His words openly and boldly and following where ever He may lead. This might mean speaking to someone new, moving to a new city, or breaking a routine to learn about other cultures and people you could potentially share the Gospel with. Living "sent" means being flexible and willing to risk losing everything only trusting that the Lord will provide and guide you in life. 

But, how many truly live sent? I must admit. I find my self enjoying sticking to a schedule once it is set, not willing to be flexible with my time. Even on this trip, there were moments I felt lost when the schedule was changed or we were left standing wondering what to do. Other times, I felt as though I didn't have the courage or abilities to share the Gospel with a stranger. Even now, when I think I might be called to live on mission in a city once I graduate, I feel unprepared to move to a new place with the intention of helping build up a new church plant. 

---I feel inadequate. --

But, that is the beauty of Christ. He knows that we aren't enough. He knows that we could never do all of that alone. We would never have enough courage and knowledge, so He doesn't ask us to do it alone. He asks us to trust Him to work through us. I could never be enough, but with Christ, I can find the right words to share the Gospel and have the courage to do something radical for Christ's kingdom instead of dwindling in comfort. 

Are you willing to take a risk for the Gospel and live a radical life? Are you willing to lose everything to follow Christ however He may lead? Will you sit or rise? Will you willingly seek out discomfort and despise comfort? Will you live secure or sent?

As for me, I plan to live radically for Christ. I pray that I will always have the courage to seek Christ's will no matter where that may lead. I hope that I will consider missions in every moment, not just when I sign up for a mission trip. I hope I'm always uncomfortable for the sake of sharing the Gospel. Do you?

Love, 

Kaitlyn :)