Missionary Me

Jesus has been very clear with me about what I should do as His follower: teach everything He has commanded and baptize. That's cool; but where do I start? I think the ideal place to start is with a recognition that there are not two "Corey's", Regular Corey and Christian Corey, but that in fact, there is only one "Corey" who is a Christian. That simply is to say, I don't cease being Jesus' follower when I leave church!

I am a Christian; and to be a Christian is to have a mission; and to have a mission is to be a missionary! But when do I do this missionary work? Where do I go? How do I do it?

Simple! If there is only one "Corey", then missionary work happens where I am, when I am there, as I do whatever task I have to do at that given place and time!

It is crucial to always remember that "Corey" does not save people. "Corey" does not bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. "Corey" doesn't convince people that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. "Corey" cannot do these things.

Yet as I go about doing whatever work I have been given to do, the Lord Himself brings me into contact with all kinds of different people. On an average Tuesday, I play racquetball with a group of people at the gym, speak with a handful of people on the phone, work with a few people at the office, enjoy lunch and conversation with 50-60 people at the Lion's Club, shop alongside of people at some store, attend a function at one of my children's schools, get my mail at the same time as one of my neighbors, and probably do other things I'm not even considering! That means that on an average Tuesday, I probably come into contact with over 100 different people!

That's a lot of people! And I believe it is no accident that I am connected with these people, but that we are there for a purpose. It starts with being a good neighbor (in the broad sense, i.e. everyone is my neighbor). A good neighbor is someone who is there for people. Through this, the Lord provides opportunities to share the hope I have in Christ Jesus! It's amazing and true! The Lord Himself opens doors for sharing the truth about Jesus Christ. Not only that, but He also gives me what to say.

There is darkness in people's lives. The Lord sends me to these people to shine the Gospel light into their darkness and bring about healing and restoration. This is missionary work! The mission has been given to me by Jesus. Jesus has made me a Christian. There are not two "Corey's", but one "Corey" who is a Christian with a very important mission. Not only does Jesus send me; He also goes with me!