In a world that often feels divided and chaotic, it's easy to lose sight of our true purpose as believers. But what if we could simplify our understanding of life and our role in it? At its core, there are really only two kinds of people in the world: those who know Jesus and those who need to know Jesus. And God uses those who know Him to tell those who don't about His love and grace.
This simple yet profound truth lies at the heart of what it means to "Live Sent." It's not just a catchy phrase, but a two-word statement that encapsulates the mission of every believer. When we come to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we might wonder why God leaves us here on Earth. After all, everything else in life is better in heaven – relationships, singing, you name it. The answer is beautifully simple: God leaves us here so that we can know Him and make Him known.
As we delve into 2 Corinthians 5, we discover a powerful truth: we are ambassadors for Christ. This role isn't reserved for a select few – it's the calling of every believer. But what does it mean to be an ambassador, and how can we fulfill this role effectively?
First and foremost, we must understand that reconciliation is God's work. The passage emphasizes this repeatedly: "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself" (2 Corinthians 5:18). This truth should both humble us and fill us with hope. We don't save anyone – God does. But He has chosen to use us as His instruments in this reconciliation process.
Secondly, we need to grasp that reconciliation is the sinner's only hope. Every person on this planet, regardless of their background or status, shares the same fundamental problem – we're all sinners separated from God. The beautiful news is that God doesn't count our sins against us when we put our faith in Christ. As the passage states, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
This leads us to the third crucial point: reconciliation is our ministry. God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation and made us His ambassadors. This isn't just a side job or a hobby – it's our primary calling as believers. We are to be the mouthpiece of God, proclaiming the hope of the gospel everywhere, to everyone, until the whole world hears.
But what does this look like in practice? How can we live out this calling in our daily lives?
One powerful illustration comes from a visit to Yosemite National Park. Picture the stunning Yosemite Valley, filled with tourists enjoying the scenery, having picnics, and leisurely observing their surroundings. Now contrast that with two climbers scaling the sheer face of El Capitan. While the majority were on vacation, these two were on a mission.
This stark difference serves as a metaphor for the church. We're not called to sit comfortably on the sidelines, merely observing and enjoying the view. We're called to be on the mountain, taking risks, facing challenges, and actively engaging in the mission God has given us.
Living sent means waking up each morning with the realization that our day is about more than just our job, our family, or our personal goals. It's about living on mission, fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.
So how can we practically embrace this calling? Here are a few suggestions:
Commit to investing in global missions through giving.
Pray daily for missionaries and partners in ministry.
Set a goal for gospel conversations in the coming months.
Consider going on a mission trip.
Remember, you can't change yesterday, but you can take advantage of the day God has given you today. Every life, no matter how young or old, busy or idle, has the opportunity to live on mission.
As we reflect on this calling, it's natural to feel intimidated or inadequate. But take heart in these two encouraging truths: First, you were made for this mission. It doesn't matter if you're an introvert or extrovert, what your personality is like, or how long you've been a Christian. God has designed you for this purpose. Second, in the power of the Holy Spirit, you can do it. You can live a life worthy of the gospel.
Living sent is not about guilt over past missed opportunities. It's about embracing the present moment and the future God has for you. It's about realizing that there's nothing greater in this life than living for Him, doing what you're made for.
If you're reading this and feeling a stirring in your heart, but you don't yet know Jesus personally, know that this might be the very reason you've encountered this message. The peace and hope you're searching for can be found in a relationship with Him.
For those who already know Christ, let this be a renewed call to action. We are ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. Let's commit to making ourselves available so that God can use us in His grand and glorious mission to take the gospel to the world.
In the end, living sent is about aligning our lives with the purpose for which we were created. It's about waking up each day with the realization that we're not just going through the motions, but we're on a divine mission. As we embrace this calling, may we find the joy, purpose, and fulfillment that comes from living in harmony with God's design for our lives.