Here is what he shared, paraphrased:
There are many reasons why people may pursue a career in full time missions. I know I have identified with most of these during my journey.
- The lure of the exotic or desire to travel.
- A feeling of guilt that we have more and thus are obligated to help out the rest of the world.
- We have something they need and the means to give it to them.
- Obedience to God. This is my "calling" in life.
- They need to hear about Jesus.
- We have medical expertise that they need and are dying from the lack thereof.
When looked at more closely, all of these reasons have flaws. Yes, even going out of obedience to God.
The lure of the exotic/desire to travel will quickly fade, especially in the face of culture shock
The guilt we feel in having more than someone else will dissipate when we have things stolen from us
The importance of bringing a message to people will become frustrating when people reject the message we have.
Bringing medical expertise will not save everyone from death, and we may get highly discouraged at the pain and suffering that we cannot alleviate
Going out of sheer obedience to God, though that is a good thing, will lead to burnout if that is the only thing keeping us going. It may even mean a poor attitude prior to the burnout.
So what should be our motivation?
1 Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
So our motivation to go to Congo to bring them better medical care or a better fuel or a closer community through a soccer ministry should be to bring God glory. And whether you as the reader of this blog are currently in school, taking care of kids, playing guitar, going to the office, or working in the field, you can have that same motivation- do it all for the glory of God. This will remain in the face of adversity, during culture shock, seeing patients die, and being rejected. Bringing glory to God is the motivation that can sustain us.
