Missions

I think I'll step aside and let the famous evangelist John R. Mott write the first few lines of this week's newsletter: "There is no subject more inspiring than the subject of world missions. No subject more broadening; it embraces all mankind. No subject more deepening; it takes us down to the very depths of the designs of God. Surely no subject is more elevating. I can think of nothing that so lifts a man out of himself."

It's hard to disagree with such a sentiment. No subject has more power to pull us away from the mirror, kicking and screaming, to rub our noses in the physical and spiritual needs of others. To address missions is to be reminded that God has long been up to something in Christ, empowered by the Spirit, that we can either ignore or embrace. Is there anything more epic in which we can find such meaning and purpose and drive? Mott is right—missions does have the power to lift us up out of ourselves.

(Brian Lowery, Managing Editor, PreachingToday.com – August 18, 2008)