Relationship not project

The words, "Go in peace, serve the Lord," proclaimed at the end of most worship services is familiar language. Do we stop to consider what is meant? Some churches post signs which read, "You are now entering the mission field," at the top of their doorways. These are situated so as to be read as we leave the building. Catchy phrase for sure. Again, what is meant?

For this writer, I am beginning to understand that I am constantly on mission - or least I should be. If I take a trip to Honduras, or Haiti it is recognized as mission, but what about when I turn down my neighborhood and prepare to pull into my driveway? Do I see this place as a mission field? 

I have been on a few short-term mission trips overseas and been blessed and fulfilled by those opportunities. There is also a need to sign up for long-term mission work right at home. By allowing people access to us, we form friendships, lasting and meaningful bonds that change lives.

The things we do on Sunday morning matter because they should be preparing us for the other six days of the week. Learning about Jesus and how He loved people, how He took the time to build relationships with these people, is the example I want to follow. Not to mark another notch on my mission belt, but because every relationship I build is a new friend in my life. 

Once there is a relationship, who knows where God will take it? You may gain an opportunity to speak into their life, or maybe they will speak into yours.


To listen to the sermon by Joe Valentino on the topic of Sending, click here.

Matthew 22:37-39