missionaries in the USA (pt. 3)
This is Part 3 in a series of thoughts on how we can become more faithful missionaries here in the place God has put us, and what some of the hindrances are to living out the great commission in our community. (Part 1 | Part 2).
#2 Selfishness & Individualism
Not surprisingly, our culture is plagued by selfishness and individualism. For many people, that's the essence of being entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." It becomes about my life, my liberty, and my pursuit of happiness. Sadly, many Christians suffer from the same self-absorption and individualism. As a result, they think (and I include myself in this bunch) primarily about my problems, my growth, my relationship with God, my knowledge, etc. without giving a great deal of care or concern for other people who don't know God. There's obviously nothing wrong with a person wanting to grow in his or her faith as an individual, but there is if the growth doesn't result in more care and concern for others.
Perhaps Christians would be much more effective missionaries if we, like Jesus, deeply loved others more than ourselves and willingly gave ourselves up for their good, rather than just focusing on what will make us happy and feel good about ourselves. May God give us the ability to love as he loves and to seek those who are far from God in the way that he has sought after us.
There