Personal Mission Field/Demonstration

A faithful minister of God, and a splendid messenger, he gave to the good the example and form of an apostle, preaching to the people of God with both words and deeds, so that he might with a good act inspire the one whom his words did not move.

  - Sechnall, Audite Omnes Amantes (Irish, 5th century)

"For the works the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me."

    - John 5.36

Lives and words: our witness for Christ requires each. But what kind of life "inspires" those who do not find our words persuasive? A life like Patrick's, perhaps, whom Sechnall celebrated? A life like Jesus', no doubt.

Jesus attracted people wherever He went because He was not like others. Yes, He could do miracles, and He did not a few. And, yes, He was an excellent teacher. But He was a man to look up to as well - bold, selfless, earnest, unflinching, compassionate, true. He was a serious man about a serious task, and nothing could deter Him from His calling and work.

What do our lives say to the people in our Personal Mission Field about who has sent us into this world, and for what purpose? What is there about us that bears witness to the transcendent Father and His divine economy and eternal Kingdom? If we could "put on" Jesus rather more consistently each day, would our lives begin to persuade others that there may actually be something to the words we say about the Gospel?

We know this, of course. But it's hard working it out. We get busy, distracted, caught up in the ambience - usually not much attune to spiritual matters - of the moment, and we just miss opportunities to demonstrate the reality of Christ living in us.

We should pray for one another, encourage and assist one another, and be accountable to one another for the kind of witness we live before others. If we all did this, would we not live more persuasive lives for Christ? And would not the credibility of the Gospel begin to rise?

We must both speak and live the Gospel, if we're going to make the Gospel believable to the people of our age.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.