Seems like we were here only a few weeks ago but in fact it has been one year - 12 months having slipped by as but a shadow! This immediately brings to my mind the words of David the writer of the Psalms; "So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom" Psalm 90:12
So, here we are in another Missions Conference; a time and the only time (for some) when we can reminisce on the previous year's activities. It is a time when we can reflect on what we have or have not done by way of Evangelism, Kingdom building and Church Growth.
If we are to be effective in ministry, there are three aspects of life which we as Christians must seriously consider. If we are to succeed in our purpose as the called-out, separated (from this world), anointed and appointed children of God we need to understand that life on this earth is a test, it is a trust and it is a temporary assignment; we are not here forever!
I am therefore appealing to all members of the body of Christ, to refocus, realign and prioritise our activities. Our conference theme this year - "Souls First" - is designed to bring us back in line with both our purpose and destiny. It is a reminder that 'God has revealed Himself in us so that we can reveal Him to others, before judgement day'! Yes, before judgement day! There is much to be done before 'the judgement'. Seems like we are making a lot more preparation and effort for life in this world - which is temporary - than we are for eternity!
In the Word of God, life on earth is compared to living in a foreign country. This is not our permanent home or final destination; we are only passing through as we often quote and sing! The Word of God refers to us as aliens, foreigners, strangers, visitors and travellers. We are also reminded that our citizenship is in Heaven!
God's priority is the salvation of the souls of men and women everywhere. That's why Jesus sacrificed Himself for the sins of the whole world. God has revealed Himself in us so that we can be an extension of the life and ministry of Jesus to the world. Let us not leave this Missions Conference and return to business as usual - no plan for Missions and Evangelism, no realignment of priorities, no vision for our communities, no focus on intercession and no desire to change!
Let us not leave another Conference with an anointing but no appointing or with an appointing and no anointing! Let us not leave without a vision; let us not leave without a desire to do something different!
Just In case we haven't notice, the judgement of this world has already begun - in our homes, our communities and even judgement in the house of God! 'Souls First' - let that be our priority. The Holy Spirit of God will lead us in fulfilling God's plan for His Church. He will give us wisdom in understanding the past, challenging the present, and shaping the future of those who are yet to come into faith.
When we talk about Missions, we're talking 'God's heart'! God's desire, God's passion, God's purpose ... Missions is our very reason for living; for being in a world like this at a time as this! God reveals Himself to us so we can adjust our lives to His and join Him on His mission. He wants to reveal His glory to a waiting world through us. Where God takes us is his doing, not ours.
God is at work all the time; He initiates a personal, loving relationship with us and invites us to join Him in His work. Some Christians thinks they were saved just to go to heaven when they die but God says: 'I saved you for a purpose - to be on Mission with me; to redeem a lost, broken and dying world. I want to bring you back to my original mission, where you will participate in my purpose of redeeming and reconciling a lost world to me’.
God sets the direction, maps the course, leads the way and tells us where He is and where He is going. Where the Master is there the servant must be. The servant responds, not initiates. At salvation God calls us to a relationship with Him; He also calls us to service and to fulfil His mission for our lives.
In order to understand the principle of placing "Souls First" on our agenda, we need to feel the heart of God and have the mind of Christ.
'... only one life t'will soon be passed only what's done for Christ will last' (Only One Life, Author Unknown). For me, to live is Christ!