Missional Living Has A Cost

by Poly Rouse

I wrote this on a plane heading to Arezzo, Italy.  While Italy was an amazing place, our main purpose for the trip was to have some conversation with one of our missionaries about how Hermitage Hills can partner with him.  After all, Hermitage Hills is a place that will constantly call all believers to new steps of faith of missional living.  Month of missions continues to ask each of us (1) How will you Pray for missions, (2) How will you Give to Missions, and (3) How will you Go on missions in the next year of walking with Christ? 

This trip took time away from family and friends.  It cost Julie and I some financial expense.  It took me away from the daily ministry opportunities at church and our community.  I missed some ministry events.  I missed some babies being born.  I couldn’t attend some funerals.  I wasn’t available to give immediate counsel or advice.  I’ve learned, however, that these are some of the costs that missional living demands.  It is reminding me that this blog is not just about words, but it’s about Life Change.  About actions.  About stepping out, even when it calls for a sacrifice. 

That’s something I’ve learned about “Missional Living”.  It’s not about us. It’s easy to sit in the pew and nod when a pastor says we need to care for others.  If I’m honest, it’s easy for me to write those words into a sermon.  But, on Monday morning, we’re going outside of the church walls.  That’s exactly where Christ wants us to be.  Because that’s also where I can:

  • Count others more significant than me (Philippians 2:3-4)
  • ​Love my neighbor as myself (Matthew 22:37-40)
  • Care for my brothers and sisters in need (Matthew 25:35-40)
  • Love my enemies (Luke 6:27-28)

My hope and prayer for Hermitage Hills, is that as believers, we will always live our lives on a mission for others.  We will live this way, despite the sacrifice required, not for our own gain or for accolades, but because by doing so, we can show the love of Christ to a world that so desperately needs Him. 

“It’s not so much that God has a mission for his church in the world, but that God has a church for his mission in the world - Christopher Wright, “The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative”.

By the time you read this blog, I will have returned from this mission trip.  I know God will have worked.  I know He will have given us some direction.  I am already excited about wherever He leads, because even though it may require us to sacrifice, it will be worth the cost.

What about you? What will be your next step towards missional living?  How has Christ led you to step into making disciples?  Would you share it with us?  I would love to join with you in prayer and support!

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