The Other Side of Global Missions

Jason Johnson:

...the mandate towards global missions is not a one-sided coin. It's nothing less than an outside influence parachuting into a foreign context with the good news of Jesus, resources to meet physical needs, and training to develop sustainable forms of living for the indiginous people of that culture. But it's so much more. Jesus calls us to take the gospel to the nations not just so we can change the nations, but so the nations can change us. That's the other side of global missions---whatever change we seek for others is often nominal in light of the change in our own lives. These two sides of the same coin are the essence of God's global mandate---make disciples of all peoples, and in doing so you yourself will be discipled.

For example, I'm convinced Jesus wants us to care for the poor of the world not just so we can change their circumstances, but so they can change our perspectives. It's nearly impossible to see and hear and smell extreme poverty and not be motivated to action. It's equally impossible to not be changed by it. The core of who you are is indelibly marked by it. You cannot go home the same. In however you choose to respond you might make a small dent in the global epidemic of extreme poverty, but only after having your entire worldview cratered by it. Nothing will ever be the same, yes for them, but even more so for you.

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