Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. - Galatians 6:7
Those of us who have been involved in professional ministry for some time have often laughed at or at least mildly mocked the oft-used mass invitational approach to evangelism and, in particular, the phrase, "I see that hand." It has been used by many through the years to acknowledge the uplifted hand of someone supposedly making a "decision" for Christ in a large meeting. Though many have ceased to use it, I am sure that others still do.
Even if we have abandoned this practice are we still guilty of continuing to perpetuate the misconception that a raised hand, a decision, equals conversion? Why are we impressed by continuing reports proclaiming salvation decisions and church activity as if God is impressed with our "busy"ness? Could it be possible that we are "busy" doing things that make no impact upon His Kingdom? Are we willing to admit that while we may "see a hand," God alone can see a heart? Where is the fruit? Where are the changed lives? If we are truly making the impact we claim to be making, then why are cities, communities, families, and personal lives still crumbling and our churches still suffering from disunity? Where is the transformation that must surely accompany regeneration?
What about our "missionary" efforts? Is the aim of our service that we see Jesus' kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven or is it that we see our empire sustained on earth in spite of heaven? How many millions of dollars will be spent this year to continue to take the gospel to places where the church already exists? How many of our churches will proudly report their mission "activity," but report no discernible change where they have been, and by change, I mean leaders have been identified and raised up in order that resources might better be used elsewhere?
Activity is not the answer. If the aim is not kingdom expansion, then why call what we do "missionary?" Call it "cross-cultural church encouragement" or "supporting the saints," but we should not deceive ourselves and call it "missions."
Entire people groups still have no one actively, strategically seeking to reach them with the Good News. Others need us to stand with them until they can stand on their own. Can we honestly be proud of going where the gospel resides, when there are places it still does not? We desperately need a sustainable missionary effort and we need to be willing to honestly evaluate the state of that work.
We may see a hand. We may count a hand. We may even report (proudly) on the hands we have seen, but God sees all hearts, including ours.
The success or failure of our work as a church or mission depends, in the last resort, largely, not in the number of preachers we put into the field, nor on the size of our congregations, but rather on the character of Christianity we and our work produce. - Duncan Campbell
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