** This week I continue my 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 10 – Commitment
When I surrendered my life to the Lord when I was 19 years old, I told the Lord a couple of different things. The last thing I told Him was that regardless of how tough things got or how low the low moments were, I would be committed to Him forever. No questions asked, no backing out! I was in it for the long haul and can confidently say 15 years later that I plan on finishing the race strong.
In the world of missions, commitment is quite possibly the most challenging word that crosses your path. One does not simply venture out into the missions world without first having a firm grasp on what commitment looks like and entails. Missions has a world of challenges that can be terribly difficult to navigate even for the most committed person, much less the person who is in doubt. The world of cross-cultural living, learning a new language, growing your network, raising funds and taking care of donors presents huge challenges. All of that and I have not even mentioned the actual ministry you will be doing. Before we go further, let me put a couple of quotes into your hopper for inspiration…
Commitment is the difference between a goal and a wish. Anybody can have a hope and a wish, but what matters most is the resolve to make it happen. – Anonymous
“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes… but no plans.” Peter F. Drucker
I try to keep things simple in life. If too many variables come into play I get confused and distracted. In my view of commitment it really boils down to one question – Have you been called to do it? Your calling and your commitment should be synonymous with one another. If your called to be a missionary then there should be a commitment that follows until the calling changes. Promotions should not change your commitment. Lack of fruit should not change your commitment. Hard times should not change your commitment. Relationships should not change your commitment. Lack of funds should not change your commitment. As we boil this down, the only thing that should change your commitment is your calling.
To be a committed person in this world, there are three things that you have to be aware of.
1. Christ’s Commitment to the Cross – The essence of this commitment plays out in the garden as Jesus offers up the famous words of “not my will, but your will be done.” The heart of this example should empower us in every one of our commitments.
2. Your Commitment to your word – In this day an age words some cheap, but they are still very pricey to God. He clearly tells us to let our “yes be yes and our no be no.” Once your commitment is made it then enters into the realm of perseverance and fortitude. And soon, just at the moment you want to give in… You will see Jesus come through in the most miraculous of ways.
3. Others Commitment to the cause – You are not alone! There are thousands of people in the world who have committed themselves to their calling in missions. The missions community is strengthened day in and day out when we can look to the left and to the right and see people digging in their heels and staying committed to the cause. This is refreshing, inspiring and serves as a great motivator. “If they can do it then we can do it!!”
At the end of the day, missions is an incredibly difficult calling. It’s also the highest of callings and the most selfless service you can do for the Kingdom. If you have been called to be a missionary, I congratulate you! If you are one who has heeded the calling and committed yourself, then I stand and applaud you! You fall in the lineage with the greatest characters in the Bible. In your commitment may you be refreshed and renewed each and every day. Thank you for your commitment!!
Marvin Slaton – Modern Day Director
