Perspective: what's yours?

Our perspectives on things affect our entire lives: world views, the way we make decisions, what we value. Oftentimes we allow our perspectives to be shaped by our environment, instead of absolute truth. A few weeks ago, Patrick's parents graciously watched the kids (for the entire week. all 3 of them.) while we went to Louisville, Kentucky for an intensive "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" class. It was highly recommended by our organization, and many others, but to be honest, I went into it not really understanding what it was we were supposed to be learning, and doubting if we really needed to hear it anyways. As they explained it, the "program" (if you can call it that. I really don't like that word.) is not a class, but an introduction to a movement, designed to connect you to something so much greater than yourself. After scores of emails going back and forth on mundane things such as what drink mixes and toothpaste brands are available in Nairobi, I definitely needed a perspective refresher! Just a few of the many insights we came away with:

1. Our God is, and always has been a missionary God. It didn't start with the Great Commission. It started way back in the very beginning. God covenanted with Abraham to bless all the families of the earth through him and his seed. That was fulfilled through Jesus, and continues to be fulfilled as the Church today continues to be a blessing to the nations. God orchestrates every event in history, and is able to use it for His purposes. Looking back, we can see how He used events in history. Something I learned: God didn't throw all those heathen tribes out of the Promised Land simply because He liked Israel better and wanted them to enjoy the best real estate. He put the Israelites at the very center of the ancient world, a crossroads through which all other nations would end up traveling. Why? Because even then, they were a living testimony to the one true God, even though that testimony was often one of being disciplined for rebellion. All throughout the Old Testament, God reached out to other nations through the Israelites, and many of them believed. All the peoples of the earth were not an afterthought, because the Israelites didn't work out. They were His chosen people to reach the nations. 
2. God is about His own glory. I know this isn't news to most of us. But it still bears remembering. Because all the time, without meaning to, we still often make it about us. Act like its about us. Its reflected in the way we view church, our prayer lives, the way we talk about God with other people, and the way we respond to His authority in our lives. Just try reading the Bible, Old or New Testament, and not notice this theme. No matter what is taking place, the end result is ALWAYS more people believing in God, and/or worshiping God. Miracles among the Israelites? Pointed people to God. Miracles Jesus did? People believed in His name and worshiped Him. The miracles that were done were always for a greater purpose than that one individual. Not saying God doesn't have great concern and interest over each of us individually. I believe He does. But in the end, its all about Him. (And ironically, in this Kingdom of upside-downs, that is the only way we will every be truly satisfied. And He knows this. Which is why He commands us to seek Him first. Its a win-win!) 
3. Our perceptions of 'church' are just much too small! The Church is so exciting to study! The history of it, the foundations, its leaders, how it has influenced history, what is happening with it today, and most of all, to me, its diversity! The Creator God invented diversity; it is important to Him. He loves, and longs, to hear prayers coming before Him in different languages; He has foreordained that every tongue and every tribe will worship His Son, and lift up His name. WE ARE PART OF SOMETHING GREAT. SOMETHING HUGE. SOMETHING THAT WILL NEVER END. It is so big, we can't comprehend it. But it's all about the Church. Jesus died for the Church, and He's coming back for the Church. And the Church is bigger than we think! 
4. It takes alot of effort, training, preparation, time, and most of all PRAYER to properly introduce the Gospel to an unreached people. Now I know a movement of God is just that: of God. And He can use whatever and whoever He wants. He doesn't even need anybody. If He chooses to do that, fine by me. But if we are giving ourselves to that task, we need to do it well.  If the strategy we're using isn't working, change it! Which means taking the time to really know the people with whom we are sharing; to enter in to their world, as much as we need to; to be wise and respectful and patient; to have a long term plan, for the birth and growth and multiplication of the Church; to perhaps let go of some of our own ideas of church. To be willing to take a back seat, and slowly invest deeply into a few native believers who will end up being the Pauls and Barnabases of their world. In the end, it isn't about strategy or skill, its about a merciful loving God reaching out to a hurting, lost people, whom He has loved since He brought them into being, and calling them for His own. 
5. The nations are coming to us in an unprecedented way. This brings amazing opportunities! Sometimes the best way to reach a people might actually be to stay here, and just find them. Many are students, who will go back and be leaders in their countries. Often these are countries which do not welcome missionaries in the traditional sense. Many others have come for jobs and are regularly sending money back to their families. Many, many are refugees, and have endured unimaginable sorrows. This is called Newcomer or Welcoming ministry, which I got a taste of while living in Minnesota. Churches all over our country are welcoming hosts of different nationalities in many creative ways. There are abundant resources for this type of ministry, and its really exciting how it is growing! 
6. Last thing I learned: all our roles are important! We all know about the Navy Seals of the missionary world: they live in huts, wear only native clothing and eat fried grubs. They are the real deal. None of us could ever do what they do! Right? But think about the whole group of people involved in getting them there, and keeping them there. All the way from the Sunday School teachers who planted seeds in their hearts, the individuals and churches who send them, the family members who let them go and support them, the sending agency, and the host of people who make it work for them on the ground. You're a missionary, oh, what do you do? I run a guest house. I work in an orphanage. I teach English classes. I work in the business office, in the field. I teach mk's. I am a pilot, and I take that Navy Seal his mail, groceries, and parts for his truck when they break down. I brought his wife to the hospital when she was having a baby. Which role is most important? None! Even if our direct involvement is not personally actively planting churches among unreached peoples, we are still working towards that goal together. We can't all be the tip of the sword. Every single Christ-follower can be working towards, can be literally consumed with, glorifying God and reflecting that glory to the world, sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and encouraging those disciples to go out and make disciples. (And I will go out on a limb and say that "missionaries" can lose sight of this goal as they get bogged down with daily life just like anyone else!) It isn't about our 9-5, in ministry or not, overseas or not. It's just about our "perspective" on life, and the purpose of it!