We don’t typically drift toward the right things. Most people don’t drift into being physically fit. I don’t know about you, but I tend to drift toward junk food and laziness, because comfort feels better than discipline. I’ve never craved a salad before.
We also don’t tend to drift into financial responsibility. We spend impulsively on what feels good in the moment, or hold on to money too tightly out of fear that we’ll never have enough.
The list could go on. But the point is this: the things that matter most in life require intentional devotion and discipline. Fitness matters some. Finances matter some. And there are certainly many other things that matter some, but the best question we can ask is this: “What matters most to God?”
You don’t have to get far into the first book of the Bible to see God’s grand purpose. He is the Holy Creator (Genesis 1:1). We are the needy sinners (Genesis 3:6). Christ is the Promised Rescuer (Genesis 3:15). The rest of Scripture tells the story of humanity’s failed attempts to make things right–and God’s patient, persistent pursuit to restore us through the perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection of His Son.
But is God’s mission only that you and I would know Him?
Psalm 67 starts out that way:
"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us..."
But look at what comes next:
"...so that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations."
The grace and blessing you receive through the gospel of Christ isn’t meant to stop with you–it’s meant to flow through you. God has strategically placed you where you live, work, learn, and play in order to reach your neighbors and the nations. What a privilege. What a responsibility.
But just as we don’t naturally drift toward physical fitness or financial responsibility, we won’t drift toward what matters most: God’s global mission.
It’s one thing to feel convicted about this. It’s another to actually take action. Dave Ramsey famously says, “You won’t change your financial situation until you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired.” That same principle applies here.
We don’t primarily need a shiny new strategy or a checklist. We need a gospel burden.
So how do we cultivate that?
Here are four practical ways to build conviction for seeing the gospel go forward–locally, nationally, and globally:
1. Read missionary stories.
If you don’t like to read, then listen! Audiobooks make this easy. I just finished The Insanity of God–engaging, inspiring, and deeply helpful.
2. Listen to Voice of the Martyrs Radio.
They release one episode a week. It’s a simple way to align your heart with God’s mission–on your commute or during a walk.
3. Invest in and invite those around you.
God’s plan A for reaching the world is the local church. That includes your family, neighbors, coworkers, and bank teller.
4. Pray specifically.
Pray for unreached people groups. Pray for missionaries. Pray for boldness. Prayer fuels the mission. Download the free “Unreached of the Day” app on your phone if you’re looking for a place to start.
Don’t let these ideas paralyze you, let them be a springboard. Just do something. We will naturally drift away from the things that matter most. Let’s course-correct, starting right where we are, and cultivate a heart for our neighbors and the nations to know the Good News of Jesus “so that [His] way may be known on earth, [His] saving power among all nations” (Psalm 67:2).
Jason Waller
Lead Pastor