Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9
So far we’ve learned that mission is the “sending” impulse and call for every Christian. Amazingly, however, that impulse can send people off into really goofy or offensive behavior in the world. For the sake of “mission” some people threaten abortion clinics or preach fire and brimstone with a megaphone on a street corner, trying to start spiritual conversations with people with whom they have no relationship.
Paul described his ministry this way: “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship, we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.“ (1 Thessalonians 2:8-9]
Like harsh words spoken without tact, or a fire burning outside a fireplace, missionality by itself can hurt the cause of Christ more than it helps. This is why missional has an inseparable twin. The word is incarnational. It means “to take on flesh.” If missional means “to go,” incarnation is about how you go and what people see as you go. It encompasses your posture, your tone, your motives, and your heart. Incarnation is critical because it will eventually determine whether or not people will want to know you or your God.
Journal/Text Question: What do you think about Jesus called a friend of sinners?
Prayer Starter: Jesus, help me to have the posture you do towards others.
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