The Joy of Mission

What motivates us to be part of God's mission?

Here are some reasons I've heard: - The church needs you to do this - You'll be a bad person if you don't - You aren't pleasing God unless you do - I'd really appreciate it if you would serve - After all we've done for you, can you help out? - Please, please, please help - No one else does it as well as you

Guilt, shame, flattery, and desperation. Christians talk like this, but does God?

Let's consider how Paul talks about motivation in the book of Philippians.

For me, this isn't just any book, but one that I've come back to as my favorite book since high school! Why? Even a casual reading of the letter will show you that Paul emphasizes joy—and I often feel a need for joy in my life!

Here's what I notice in Philippians 3. Paul is rejoicing in the Lord and wants his brothers and sisters in Christ to rejoice in the Lord as well. In doing so, they will be humble and assured of God's love for them. But they'll also have the energy they need to make "every effort" to wholeheartedly participate in God's mission (3:12).

Joy sustains mission.

By contrast, Paul is agitated by the presence of "evil workers" who attempt to steal from his congregation their life-giving joy. These people get all twisted up about their credentials, their accomplishments, and their status. From Paul's perspective, that's dung. He has something far better: Jesus.

It's so easy to pat ourselves on the back. "I'm a serious Christian!" "I've studied lots of theology!" "I share my faith!" No, no, no. That's not it.

What's better? The surpassing value of knowing Christ.

In all that we do, we remember that God is God. He is first. He is primary. We are responding to God's initiative. And knowing God gives us joy. For instance, shame is demoralizing. But God has accepted us. We feel insecure. But God has pledged to love us forever. And so on...