“At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality…” (2 Corinthians 8:14 NET)
I don’t believe anyone would want to be a direct part in DERAILING GOD’S WORK here on earth, especially when it comes to saving a lost soul or providing the basic needs in someone’s life. But that is just what we do when we refuse to participate in the mission work going on before our very eyes in our own neighborhoods and cities.
While many of us gladly support the wonderful and sacrificial labor of many in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and other areas, we in America tend to depend upon the government to supply food, clothing, medical, and personal needs to our neighbors. Lest we forget, even Jesus came to first reach His people…the Jews! How can we neglect the very people we live among each and every day? If we don’t love and care for our brother, how can we say we love God, or someone we have never met? Do we actually think a government program can touch a hurting soul as much as the work of a local Christian mission and its workers? Will food stamps share the Gospel? Will Medicare teach God’s mercy and forgiveness? Will a tax break save a soul from hell?
Local mission work is an effective and valuable tool meeting needs in our urban areas and needs to be fully supported by local churches, their members, and the community as a whole. Historically, Christian religious organizations were established to provide spiritual, physical, and social assistance to the poor and needy. As the government cuts services and the program budgets fall short, the missionary stays in the trenches.
President Bush (July 2004) once said that “a change of heart will change behavior and governments can’t change hearts.” God’s servants on the local mission field not only meet physical needs, but they get to the heart issues of life as well.
Donald King of the North American Mission Board sending team encourages us to support the warriors:
“It’s God’s call that leads rational men and women to walk on dangerous streets, to talk with colorful characters, to seek out people of peace in perilous places. Missionaries boldly go to the frontline of the spiritual battlefield…they are like warriors assigned to take the hill in the name of the Lord. Their very presence begins to penetrate the spiritual darkness of neighborhoods, city blocks, and college campuses”
We may not see the need to give today, but as Paul said above, as we give today, our needs will be met by those who may give tomorrow! As we gladly participate in the work of God in our local areas, we see immediate results as well as sending blessings ahead for ourselves and future generations. Let’s not have any part in DERAILING GOD’S WORK! We have a choice:
“We can give without loving, but we can not love without giving.” (Alexander Duff).
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