ONE MISSION - the strategic focus

During the early months of 2011, division over Libya dominated the news headlines as world leaders had trouble coming to agreement:

• Europe divided over Libya mission
• Allies divided over goals and command structure of Libya mission
• EU Divided Over Military Mission for Libyan Humanitarian Response
• NATO: A Divided Mission in Libya?
• UK divided on Allied mission

Such division is not unique to government, for the body of Christ is divided over many issues including their purpose and priorities. Most Christian in the West might agree that their mission is to reach those on the outside, but a quick look at the way they spend their time and money in fact reveals a multitude of agendas. Believers place varying amounts of emphasis on worship, buildings, youth programs, fellowship activities, and a plethora of programs, but in many instances these pursuits become ends in themselves.

And what is our mission? God makes it clear that He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3.9). His heart is to bring every person into relationship with Himself. Just as the U.S. Army Rangers are committed to "leave no man behind," God wants no one left out of His plan. Jesus expresses His vision in the model prayer, saying "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven" (Matthew 6.10). Imagine this vision fulfilled, where every person loves and obeys Jesus! Our mission is to give every individual the opportunity to love and obey their Heavenly Father.

With a clear picture of God's mission in mind, we must keep our focus. The urgent work of reaching people will never be accomplished if everyone goes about doing their own thing. We must embrace His mission and let nothing distract us from that end. In the Kingdom, division is the enemy of multiplication.

"But evangelism is not my gift," an excuse we hear frequently. When I hear this, I'm inclined to invite that person to my house so I can refuse to offer them a seat and tell them to make their own cup of coffee, saying, "Sorry, but hospitality is not my gift!" Hospitality may not be my gift, but I must be hospitable to my guests. Evangelism may not be your gift, but you must share the gospel. It's what followers of Jesus do.

Consider a military band such as the U.S. Navy Band or the Australian Army Band Corps. These people are brilliant musicians with extraordinary musical skills and a passion to inspire people with their songs. But while each band member is a gifted musician, he or she is still first and foremost a soldier. Each of them is trained for warfare, for that is their primary mission. No band member can make the excuse, "Sorry, but I can't go to battle because my gifting is music." That just doesn't work in the military. And it doesn't work in the Kingdom. Every believer is called to share the gospel and make disciples. We must stop making excuses and get to work on fulfilling His mission.

Paul understood God's mission clearly and worked hard to achieve it. His passion was to see people saved, and he let nothing sidetrack him. He admonished Timothy to teach faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2.2). Like Paul and Timothy, we must pass the message on...until the whole world knows.