Served, heard, and helped - the context changes everything

As Christians, at least where I have lived, our distorted view of our importance and our worth has dramatically altered the purpose of churches and missions.

The Bible is very clear about our value to the Lord.   We are treasured above all creation, we are loved so highly that the Lord Himself laid down His life for us.  We have a Father who is intimately involved in our coming and going.  Most importantly, that value is not earned.  It is a free gift through Jesus Christ.  To receive the gift, we must humble ourselves, admit our sinfulness, and receive His everlasting love.

Grace and mercy aside, in this world, we all must learn to make our own way, to become responsible contributors to whatever is in store for us.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, schools and organizations decided that the finest way to help a child become a responsible adult was to praise them highly, to affirm them in who they are, rather than in what they do.  I know this is a vague generalization, but I have seen the results in the organizations in which I've worked.

In families, this is appropriate and right.  Our children are special to us because, they are ours.  They are part of our family.  We're interested in them and we love them because of who they are NOT what they do.

I can't tell you how discouraging it is to meet young people in the workplace who have a mistaken notion of their value to the organization. They believe that if they show up for work they should be rewarded, when in actuality, the organization is looking for performance.  Companies are cruel teachers to those who have led coddled existences.

In religious circles, many churches are designed around the needs that are felt by the members and attenders.  I don't see how a church whose growth depends upon attracting people by providing programs for their needs, can then turn around and ask these same people to be humble servants.  I'm sure there's a small percentage that leaps this chasm, but many will sit back and soak in the attention and never make the transition from "served" to "servant."

Which leads me to my thought for today...mission trips.  

If you are going to go on a mission trip, please think on these things.  

You are going to serve, not to be served.  Purpose yourself never to whine about your room, the bathrooms, your food, your schedule, your team, or your leaders.

You are going to hear, not to be heard.  You have little to offer the ones who have dedicated their lives to the local people and the local church. However, they might want to be heard.  Hear their words, encourage them, and pray mightily for the Lord to use your prayers to aid their mission.

You are going to help, not be helped.  Don't act in such a way, that attention is drawn to you and not to those who work in the area full time. Behave responsibly so that when you leave, the missionaries say "That man or woman was such a blessing."

For some, this might be the first time that you are not close to the center of attention.  Relish the experience, it is pleasing to the Lord, and will be helpful to you as you grow in your life.