I used to think that the highest calling was to be a missionary. I felt like my life was worth nothing if it was not going to be invested in full-time, lifelong mission work. I felt guilty for living a nice life and not experiencing poverty or severe persecution like some missionaries face.
The fact of the matter is God calls all of us to perform mission work in one form or another. And to God, they are equivalent in importance.
God calls some to go overseas and become full-time missionaries, but also calls others to commit their time to prayer and give their financial resources. Full-time missionaries and ministry workers wouldn't be able to effectively continue the work God gave them without the funds of others working to give to God. We who are not in full-time ministry are called to live to give to others, and that is just as important as being a "formal" missionary.
We each were called to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), no matter what context God has placed us. What's even better is that the Holy Spirit empowers us to do this life-changing work with the gifts, talents and resources he's given us.
Are you struggling with feelings of self-doubt about your importance in God’s kingdom? Perhaps you are struggling with guilt for being able to live comfortably. Remember that the best way to fulfill your calling at home is to give, especially to missional ministries through prayer and financially. Sometimes God calls us to become uncomfortable by giving more and spending less on ourselves. This calls for just as great a self-sacrifice as those who give their lives to mission work.
Dear Lord, give us the assurance we need to be content with being givers behind the scenes and inspire us in our missions. Bless the work of everyone involved with spreading the Gospel. Amen.
Today's Challenge: If you have not been called to full-time mission work, then you have been called to give. Make a concerted effort to give more to missions this season, whether it be a one-time gift or a dedicated commitment to give on a monthly basis. All make a difference in the kingdom of God!