Today I’m continuing my series on what defines a missionary and how I can apply that to my life as I attempt to begin to be a missionary to the people around me.
Today’s definition item is:
A missionary is focused on sharing the love of God with everyone they meet. Sharing God’s love doesn’t necessarily mean preaching, it can be acts of service or many other things.
I blogged yesterday about a guy I met who invited me to worship at his church. It was such a simple act and it was his way of showing God’s love to me.
I then went to a graduation ceremony for the ladies who have graduated from our transitional housing program, which is called ‘Hannah’s House’.
I was really struck by the acts of service that so many volunteers give to the program. There were people there who only had one or two nights a month that they were able to give as volunteers but, you know what, they didn’t say “I can’t give more than one or two nights a month, so it’s not worth it.” Instead they said, “I’m only free two nights a month, is there something I can do to help in that time?”
I was taken aback by their dedication and their willingness to serve.
The ladies in the program couldn’t help but recognise that these volunteers were showing them the love of God. Why else would they give of the only spare time they had to help people they didn’t even know?
I think God’s trying to teach me something here. I think it’s something along the lines of:
Don’t be selfish with your time and possessions and don’t ever miss an opportunity.
It’s easy for me to not take opportunities I have to share Gods love verbally because I’m just too chicken to say something.
It’s also easy for me to miss opportunities to serve people and show them God’s love because I’m selfish with my time.
If I’m going to be the missionary that God is calling me to be, I need to remember 24/7 that that’s exactly what I am and I need to work on never missing an opportunity to show God’s love to someone.
Two questions: How do you ensure that you recognise the opportunities that God gives you? and How are you at taking those opportunities when they arise?
I was wondering what Graduation you were talking about earlier. and I so thankful there is a Hannah’s House. as far as I know there isn’t something like this is the A.V. I mean just aimed at Women and children and with the progams that Hannah’s House has.
I am not sure that is is possible to ensure that we recognise each opportunity. I do know that the Holy Spirit will nag me in my heart if He really wants me to do something.
Example: A woman I didn’t get along with at work had her car die on a particularly bad Chicago day (snow and ice), took a bus, and sprained her ankle. This woman had been very mean to me. The Holy Spirit nagged me all day that I needed to take her home and pick her up until she could drive again. I argued all day (with the Holy Spirit), until He reminded me of Romans 12:20
“On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'”, and I thought to myself, yeah, I could gladly heap burning coals on her head, and offered her a daily ride for as long as she needed. To work and back. For two weeks. And the Holy Spirit was right (of course). It was harder for her to accept the help than for me to offer. And our relationship changed for the better.
Anyways, sorry about the long comment. My point is just that the Holy Spirit does not let it go if He really wants something done…
I’m not sure we can recognize every opportunity unless our perspective changes. We have to see everything as an opportunity. Yes EVERYTHING. If we are there, God wants to use us there for something.
Great thoughts Peter!
I blogged about something similar today as well:
http://kevinmartineau.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-one-small-act-can-impact-life.html
excellent blog!
I was going to write something, but the post and comments are so good, I’ll just leave it at that! @Epicbruce- that is excellent.
That’s a great point, Peter. Yes, we are called to share the love of God with everyone. No, that does not mean quoting scripture and casting out demons. It’s the little acts that matter to people, something as small as a smile or a hand or an ear to whisper struggles into. That’s sharing the love of God, too.
Great post!
Many opportunties will pass us by each day, but if we walk in fellowship with the Lord, we are more apt to recognize His leading. Too often we overlook the value of hug, a small kindness, eye contact…a cup of water.
I can become so busy doing the things on my agenda…some really good things, that I miss the things God has planned for me to do.
Staying in close contact with my heavenly Father will help me to touch lives in meaningful, life-changing ways…the catch is only God know what acts will become life-changing to another.
Great post Peter – clearly God has your heart – that truly is where it begins.
Great post, and loved the last one too! Evangelism is a lot easier than we make it out to be.