** This weeks starts a missions Top 10 of how to set yourself up for success while on the field. Obviously this is not comprehensive, but should serve as a good guideline to help every missionary thrive both personally and with their ministry.
Number 1
It should almost go without saying, but really it doesn’t. The most vital part of any missionaries life is their ongoing communion with Jesus. Some people call it “alone time” or “prayer closet” or “devotional time”, regardless of what it’s called this should ALWAYS take center stage. What missionaries notice after a very short period of time on the field is that their communion with the Lord is the one thing that is attacked the most. The Devil wants nothing more than to distract us from this priority. He know that if he can distract you long enough, ultimately he can derail you and that is what he wants. You off track! Being off track can flesh out in a number of ways, but the overall point is that area(s) of your life are no longer flowing in congruence with the Lord. It usually starts small, but can lead to some very serious difficulties in your life and ministry. I have seen this play out in my own life, so I know first hand how important it is to prioritize communion with the Lord.There are a lot of things that can be said about communion with the Lord and much smarter men have pinned wonderful commentaries, articles and books on this topic. My own personal word of wisdom is to start everyday at the cross with your heart laid before him.
When we start at the cross, it postures our heart in a beautiful place. It reminds us of the life of Christ and the power of the salvation that we received from it. It stirs gratitude and thanksgiving in our heart for Him and his steadfastness and faithfulness to us. It also puts Christ on the highest place of our heart and brings our life into submission to his purposes and plans. In this place of communion is also where we find forgiveness for our sins and iniquity and freedom to walk as victors in Him! We are also stirred for those around us and inspired to love and help others in any way we can.
In essence, communion with God is what enables us to properly love our spouse, lead our families, work in our ministries and ultimately play our part in helping advance God’s Kingdom.
When we unplug from this source of communion, our spiritual tank and abilities automatically start to run on less. Eventually, if not plugged back in, we will see firsthand the negative affects on our marriages, families and ministries. No one, if asked would want that to happen, but the greater reality is that it happens and it happens a lot. We as humans lose sight of the MAIN priority and all of a sudden “The Main Thing Is Not The Main Thing”.
In the end, we are responsible for our own walk with the Lord. Knowing this, we must always take initiative, be proactive and set ourselves up for success in every area. The truth is this… Every other area of our life is dependent upon this one. If we get communion right. If we prioritize communion. Then we know that in life (although not always roses and chocolates) we will have the potential to really thrive in every facet!
Marvin Slaton – Modern Day Director
