What is a missionary?

What is a missionary?

This post is dedicated to all Christian Missionaries. We love you!

 I believe that if most people are asked what a missionary is they would probably think of the typical Hollywood stereotype.  Their idea would be a tall, skinny, pasty-skinned, Cheeto haired, narrow minded, nerdy type individual who wears round, wired-rimmed glasses, Birkenstock sandals, brown cargo pants, a green t-shirt, Boonie or jungle styled hat, and clutches a Bible while traipsing through a dense jungle in search of a lost native pagan tribe in need of conversion.  At one time, although possible today, some, most, or all of these characteristics applied to what a typical missionary would be.  However, this is so completely limiting and not reflective of what a true missionary is.

So again I ask "What is a missionary?"

A missionary is like,

A fireman who rushes into a burning building to save the lives of people he may, or may not know or a doctor or nurse who cares for the sick, injured, and dying.

A CEO of a company who is in charge of the growth and welfare of a company and its employees or a banker who must manage the accounts of others.
 
A network marketer who must build his company from nothing or a salesman who forges through rejection after rejection until he meets the one person truly interested in his product.

A civil engineering responsible for the development of the land area in a building project or a construction worker who builds dwellings so others will have a home. 

An explorer who treks off into foreign lands facing possibly untold danger and peril in search of discovery.
 
A lawyer who must know the local laws and customs to perform his job effectively or a mediator who resolves conflicts between others.

A soldier who charges into battle to face an enemy who is often not seen and usually on their home territory. 

A farmer who grows food to feed the hungry. 

A water technician who makes sure people has clean water to drink. 

A tailor who makes and mends clothes so the naked will have something to wear and keep them warm. 

A teacher who devotes their life to teaching the uneducated and inspiring them to learn. 

A musician who enjoys spending time entertaining others with song.

A therapist/counselor who listens to the problems of others.

A parent who loves, nurtures, and cares for their children.

A homeless man who must feed and care for himself.

And finally, a shepherd who tends to his flock making sure they do not stray or get attacked.  

I’m sure you now realize that missionaries carry many responsibilities.  If anything, only a resume with all of the outlined criteria above would qualify for a position such as demanding as this.  Missionaries, in fact do rush into danger to rescue others, both physically and spiritually.  Missionaries are responsible for managing their own business which they usually start from nothing relying on the financial support of others.  They face constant rejection.  They are responsible to not only feed themselves (physically and spiritually) but also feed, cloth, and tend to the poor, sick and dying.  Missionaries educate others and must also educate themselves in the laws and customs of the land. They must counsel others in the way of discipleship and like a good shepherd, they must watch over their flock. Most of the people listed above earn a regular salary, and some are even quite substantial.  A missionary, however, survives by the grace of God and the generosity of others.  He does not do it for wealth, or personal gain, or fame, or glory.

So why do they do it?

 Jesus the Christ suffered and died on the cross and on the 3^rd day rose from the grave defeating death for all eternity.  His death and resurrection became the atoning sacrifice for all sins.  This sacrifice is not something you earn, but instead a free gift.  Every true Christian missionary has received this gift and now, with joy, wants to bring that free gift to the world for all of those who wish to receive it freely, and willingly.  Therefore, just as Christ sacrificed Himself for others to bring that free gift, so does every Christian missionary sacrifice themselves for others.

I hope that this topic has helped to bring clarity to your perspective.

Oh, and I almost forgot!  If you have received Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior then you are considered a missionary too! 

Huh?!  What do I mean? 

I said in my opening statement that the definition I provided is limiting.

In the Bible, Mark 16:15, Christ commanded every Christian to “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”  As Christians our calling may not require us to fill the actual position of a missionary but our mission field does not necessarily lie in a foreign land.  Instead, our mission field is our friends, family, neighbors, and even our workplace.  As Christians, we to carry with us the free gift to give to those who will receive it freely and willingly.

Now, I ask you again,

What is a missionary?

Free gift

Romans 4:16

“So the promise is received by faith.  It is given as a free gift.  And we are certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s.  For Abraham is the father of all who believe.

Romans 5:16

“And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin.  For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.”

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Great Commission

Mark 16:15

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the entire gospel to every creature.""