Living faithful, fruitful and fulfilled on the mission field
Is the Sabbath something we need to observe today? Didn’t Jesus ignore the Sabbath and do ministry on that day? Isn’t every day holy now? These questions about the Sabbath run through our thoughts. Why take Sabbath anyhow? Maybe when you think of Sabbath you …
Some flavors go together well. Others just don’t. Like lemongrass and coconut milk in Thai food. They complement each other and are delicious. Or palm butter and rice. Yum! But when you put minced chicken with ice cream it just doesn’t work, right? My husband …
Sabbath is a day for rest and intake. I try to do things that will refresh and renew my soul. One of these for me is listening to audiobooks. Recently, I’ve been listening to a book called More of God by R.T.Kendall. Something struck me as I read yesterday. He spoke about how many of us want more from God instead of more of God. I’ve been rolling that around in my mind the last few days.
Similarly, when it comes to ministry, we need to shift from working for God to working with God.
I’ll admit it. I’m a doer. I like to work hard and get things done. It’s my personality and the way God designed me. Satisfaction comes when tasks get completed and I can tick things off my to-do list. Not everyone is like that. My husband is completely different in this regard.
It’s good to know yourself and how your unique personality works. Then you can develop your strengths and compensate for your weak areas. Those who are doers like me, need to be careful about certain things. We can become too task-oriented and not pay attention to the people around us, focusing only on getting things done. But another key thing, and what I want to focus on today is the danger of working for God instead of working with God. The first can lead to exhaustion. The second leads to fruit and life.
Much of our personality is formed by how we were raised. Other factors contribute, like our parent’s personalities and the genes we inherited. Both of my parents are doers. I grew up with lists of my childhood chores tacked onto the refrigerator. When I completed all I was supposed to do, I’d get a gold star or sticker on my list.
My mom used this to motivate and teach discipline. Nothing wrong with that. I did the same (though to a lesser degree) with my kids.
“Get your work done, then you can go outside and play,” was the mantra at our house.
As a missionary kid in Liberia, going outside to play was pretty appealing! I had an amazing treehouse, a monkey, rabbits, parrots, and even a pangolin to play with if I got my chores finished. But work came first. And work was what I was rewarded for.
The impact of this on my adult life has been positive in many ways. I know how to press through my own laziness or emotional weakness and get things done. It’s served me well.
Where I run into trouble is when I work to finish my list, pushing forward in my strength rather than checking in with the Holy Spirit. I need to know if my list is even what He has in mind for me that day! It’s easy to get busy working hard on my projects, instead of prioritizing what is most on God’s heart that day. Or month. Or even a year.
Many years ago the Lord spoke to me about asking for His assignments each day. There is nothing wrong with having a list and being productive. But we need to check in with the Holy Spirit often. His priorities need to be ours….every…single…day. What does God want you to do today?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matt 11:28-30
1. When Stress Levels Rise and Refuse to Fall
Nothing angers a goal-oriented person more than an obstacle in the way of accomplishing their goal. Frustration mounts. Anger towards the person or barrier rises within. Sometimes anger turns inward. We get mad at ourselves for not being able to complete the tasks at hand. All these things lead to stress and burnout.
We are carrying the tasks wrongly. God may be in them. He may even have asked you to do those things. But when you strive and struggle to do them apart from Him, anxiety will go through the roof! The temperature gauge on your soul rises, as on a thermometer, someone left in the hot sun.
Stress is normal. If we live life, we will encounter some levels of stress. Ongoing stress that never drops to normalcy is not God’s plan for us. It’s a sign that we are carrying tasks wrongly. We are not letting God carry the load but are striving in our own strength.
2. When Identity Gets Tied to Our Accomplishments
We must remember that the work we do as missionaries is His, not ours! He gets the glory and He is in charge of the outcomes. Our job is to listen and obey. We are to be faithful, to steward the resources, talents, and guidance He gives.
Sometimes people ask me what it takes to launch a movement of disciples. It takes a sovereign move of God, I always answer. Though there are best practices, and many things we can do, it is up to Him. God must move.
When we start to claim the glory for results, or when we feel ashamed at our lack of them, we know we’re in the wrong place. Shame tells us something as does pride. Remember, it’s God’s work, not ours!
3. When We Are Unable to Change Course
Sometimes God changes direction. Are we able to follow Him when He does? This can happen with long-range things or in the course of a day. Someone shows up at your door needing help. Can you respond? Or are you already scheduled so tight you don’t have time to even ask God what He wants you to do?
Many of the most fruitful people I’ve observed are those who are extremely receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit every moment. They have schedules, but those timetables are flexible. God is free to interrupt them any time!
4. When Joy Disappears and Drudgery Surfaces
Ever feel like you are on a treadmill and can’t get off? The pad you are walking on is moving and if you stop, you’ll fall off. So you keep going and going and going…unable to take a break. It feels like you never quite catch up. The machine of life only accelerates, no matter how weary you become.
You preach and you teach. You prepare messages, but the life is gone. It’s not much fun anymore.
Oh, believe me, I’ve been there. No condemnation from me! But it can’t stay that way. Recognize what is happening and take action. That leads to the next point.
5. When Time Off Feels Like a Waste of Time
Many Global South Christian leaders and missionaries don’t know how to stop working. Sabbath is a concept they think is only for Westerners. Don’t fall into that trap. God designed it, it’s for you!
Do you find it hard to rest, to relax? This may be a sign that you are working for God more than with Him. God took rest. He wants us to do the same. It’s His design.
If you saw any of the above signs in yourself, would you pray this prayer with me today?
Lord Jesus, thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden light. I love to work for you, God. But even more than that, I want to work with you. Lead me today. Show me what your priorities are, and how to go about the tasks before me. I want to do things in your way, in your time and with your strength and anointing. Forgive me for getting off course and striving to do things apart from you. Lead me today and restore to me the amazing joy of working with you on your Kingdom tasks. For your glory and for your praise. Amen.
A beautiful story is told in the movie Fly Away Home. It is about a young girl who raises a flock of geese. She is there when the goslings hatch. Thinking she is their mother, the growing birds follow her around everywhere she goes. This …
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We sang the translated song with its complicated chords and transitions. The words were Nepali, but the tune (loi) was not at all Nepali in style. “Prabhu ouchalchu tapaiko nao” (Lord, I lift your name on high)…we sang. The first part isn’t so hard, though the words are a bit awkward. You have to cram the longer Nepali phrases into the beats of a shorter English phrase.
When we got to the “He came from Heaven to Earth to show the way…” it was definitely not Nepali in style! For young people from the city, more familiar with Western music, they could manage. The grandmas and grandpas, those from the village, found it foreign and difficult. It was from outside their culture.
When we introduce foreign styles of worship, we reinforce the idea that Christianity is foreign. We want to do the opposite. Seekers need to understand that Jesus is the God of all peoples and cultures. He is not an American or English God, He is the Savior of all!
As Kingdom practitioners, we need a new mindset about cultural forms of worship.
God is greatly glorified through authentic, indigenous, expressions of worship and of His body. God never intended His church to look the same across the globe. He delights in the creative expressions of His church through various cultures.
When we try to use a one-size-fits-all approach to the church, it is far less beautiful. It doesn’t grow and reproduce as rapidly when it has to look the same.
Let’s go back to my story about Nepali music to illustrate this further.
When we moved to Nepal, I struggled to worship. Sitting in a Nepali church, on the floor, singing songs in another language, I’ll be honest. It was hard to “feel” connected to God. I missed my Western-style worship songs. Those songs more naturally connected with my emotions.
I was faced with some tough decision-making as a cross-cultural worker. Would I introduce new Nepali believers to Western-style translated songs? Or would I push myself to learn to enjoy the traditional Nepali music that which connected with their heritage and culture naturally?
Though it wasn’t easy, I chose to push myself. It was I who needed to carry the burden of adapting to the culture, not the indigenous seekers and new believers! It was them we were trying to reach, not the other way around. I, as the missionary, must carry the “heavy baton” and make sure that whatever we used in worship was light and reproducible for local people.
It was not hard to see that Western-style translated songs were difficult for people to adapt to. The young people liked them. The community leaders, heads of households, and older people preferred their own indigenous music. They took pride in it.
So I learned, stretched, and grew. Deciding to worship God in a new, uncomfortable, different way, I began to model worshipping in their style. I would not introduce my culture, but would try my best to adapt to theirs.
“Prabhu ji aarji mero sooni dau lau hai chardai ay” is a song with a traditional Nepali beat. Listening to it, you can easily tap your foot or stand up and begin a Nepali dance. The Nepali madal (drum) is a natural complement to this village-style song. I grew to love it. Today it’s still one of my favorites!
“God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
John 4:24 NIV.
Some songs or customs have become so common in the traditional church that you might not even realize they are not indigenous. I’m not a legalist about this, but it is good to begin to recognize and be aware of this.
Watch the indigenous people. Observe what kind of worship resonates with whom. Be sure that your music styles don’t only feel exciting to young people. Are they being entertained by the music, or is it connecting deeply with their hearts?
These principles also apply to prayer and many other things we do as we introduce the gospel in a new culture or religious system.
The reason we are cautious is not that it is “wrong” to introduce outside things. As the ministry grows and matures, people will need to understand that they are part of a global family of believers. It can slow down progress if outside forms are introduced too soon or too frequently.
Washing hands and feet, or removing shoes before worshiping God, may be a normal cultural practice. There is no reason not to continue to do this. As they learn to worship the God who loves to draw near to them, but who also is holy and pure.
Sometimes cultural practices that have been used for idolatry are seen as evil. For example, a particular drum may be used for calling demons. Can it be used now to worship the living God?
It is not the drum that is evil. The drum is neutral, neither evil nor good. It is the purpose for which it is used that gives it meaning.
A reverse example might be the symbol of the cross. When seen in the front of a church, it can remind of us Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. When Madonna wears it as she sings a song about sex outside of marriage, the meaning no longer carries the same message. Or when on a crusader’s shield, it may have yet another meaning.
Be aware of the historical connections with various church practices and forms. As mentioned above, the word “crusade” has terrible connotations for those taken into slavery through “The Crusades.” Maybe not the best word to use if you are trying to hold gospel meetings in a Muslim area!
Use terminology and forms that make sense to the local people you are trying to reach. If your goal is to reach Hindus or Buddhists, certain Christian words may confuse or create barriers. Others may create bridges that make it easy for the gospel message to spread.
Always choose what is easy and natural for the culture of the people you are trying to reach, not what feels best for you as an outsider.
Which of these two mindsets do you tend to agree with more?
If it is the first one, you may want to reconsider your position.
How can you encourage more indigenous worship and forms of church in your missionary efforts?
Comment below or on the Missionary Life Facebook group.
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Something we often pray for is a spiritual harvest. Have you ever taken in a physical harvest? If not, you may miss what harvesting involves.
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Mark 4:30-32. NIV
I’ve often wondered why the Bible has so many gardening and plant illustrations. God is a gardener. In Genesis two, it says that God planted a garden. A few years ago, I started gardening as a hobby. I now love it! In the process, I learned incredibly useful lessons that apply to life in missions.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:36-38 NIV
If you want continual harvest you need to plant and nurture many different types of plants on a continual basis.
As a disciple maker, it is important to reach out and disciple as many people as possible. Rather than pouring all our time and effort into one person, it is essential to go broader. Jesus had twelve close disciples, and also the multitudes he met in his journey. If you sow sparingly you reap sparingly. People who share the gospel frequently see many salvations!
You must water consistently, and prepare the soil. If you don’t do this work, then the fruit or seed will not form or will fall from the tree before it is ripe.
This is the same in the spiritual world. The water is the prayer that we must pour into the soil of people’s hearts. Sharing truth and a powerful demonstration of the love and reality of God are the nutrients we dig in.
When the fruit is ready it will come off easily on your hand. If you pick the fruit too early then it is usually bitter and hard. The same with people. It is not good to try to “force” people to get saved. When people are ready, they are open and responsive. They are hungry for truth and connection with God.
“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.”
John 4:35-36 NIV
You have to pick the harvest daily until all the crops are gathered. You can’t put the work off or the fruit will rot on the tree, or get attacked by pests and spoil on the vine. It is greatly satisfying to gather in and eat the fruit of your labor!
It is the same when we see a movement of disciples starting. When people get saved we need to work hard in discipling people. Just like caring for a newborn physical baby is full-time work, the same for new spiritual babies. We should follow up straight away. Frequently, with people in the first days after they get saved, we need to invest time, not wait for another week when we casually see them again.
When the harvest is almost ready, the pests try to come and devour it. Birds, rats, insects – they all come to eat the harvest. It is the same with a spiritual harvest.
The enemy attacks around harvest time through distraction or destruction.
Satan may send sickness, division in the team, financial loss, family issues, or a strong temptation to give up and go home. Often this is just before the breakthrough comes. The way to resist the demonic “pests” that come to spoil the harvest is by prayer and loving perseverance.
A fruitful gardener is intentional and industrious. Be thoughtful and persevere in seeking a spiritual harvest in your region.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV.
In what season do you find yourself?
Let us know in the comments below, or discuss this with colleagues on the Missionary Life Facebook Group.
*This was a guest post by R.M.
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