This can be a problem that hinders missionaries from the West. And the bottom line is that it is pride. We believe that we are superior to others because we have resources, education, money, etc. We are the schoolmasters, and the foreign nationals we serve are students. So, naturally, this can lead to problems with the people we serve and even damage our relationships.
Of course, I haven't ever met a missionary who would confess that they're superior to others, but all the while, it can clearly be seen in their attitude and how they work with those around them, and the nationals can see right through it.
The work that God has to perform in our hearts is first of utmost importance. But, sadly, when dealing with humans, at times, he needs to deal with pride. I say jokingly that missions can literally rip your flesh when dealing with the magnitude of things that missionaries deal with (culture shock, learning a new language, pressures of performing, etc.) and bring us to full submission to God, but that's where God steps in and picks you up to mold you into the person he wants you to be. Therefore, removing the prideful attitude.
Sure, you have great aspirations and motivations to do amazing things on the mission field, and so does God, but his work will start in your heart by stripping away the layers of pride. He needs to take pride in viewing ourselves as the answer to the nationals to a humble servant who sees the people we are called to serve as partners in ministry and not people we Lord over because we feel we are superior.
There are certainly some missionaries who really understand this. Their impact on the people they serve is immense because the nationals no longer see them as high-minded Westerners but as friends and fellow soldiers in the Kingdom of God. They are ready to collaborate and work together because they now view them as someone that sincerely loves them.
We need to recognize that we are merely a vessel God works through. The gifts and abilities we have in our lives are not our own but from God. We are to pass them along to those around us to advance his Kingdom. We are simply messengers of the Kingdom so that we can share in its blessings, peace, and joy.
Of course, I haven't ever met a missionary who would confess that they're superior to others, but all the while, it can clearly be seen in their attitude and how they work with those around them, and the nationals can see right through it.
The work that God has to perform in our hearts is first of utmost importance. But, sadly, when dealing with humans, at times, he needs to deal with pride. I say jokingly that missions can literally rip your flesh when dealing with the magnitude of things that missionaries deal with (culture shock, learning a new language, pressures of performing, etc.) and bring us to full submission to God, but that's where God steps in and picks you up to mold you into the person he wants you to be. Therefore, removing the prideful attitude.
Sure, you have great aspirations and motivations to do amazing things on the mission field, and so does God, but his work will start in your heart by stripping away the layers of pride. He needs to take pride in viewing ourselves as the answer to the nationals to a humble servant who sees the people we are called to serve as partners in ministry and not people we Lord over because we feel we are superior.
There are certainly some missionaries who really understand this. Their impact on the people they serve is immense because the nationals no longer see them as high-minded Westerners but as friends and fellow soldiers in the Kingdom of God. They are ready to collaborate and work together because they now view them as someone that sincerely loves them.
We need to recognize that we are merely a vessel God works through. The gifts and abilities we have in our lives are not our own but from God. We are to pass them along to those around us to advance his Kingdom. We are simply messengers of the Kingdom so that we can share in its blessings, peace, and joy.
Shawn Paul
Mission Director
MorningStar Missions
502-509-3607 USA#
shawn@morningstarmissions.org
CHECK OUT OUR MISSION TRAINING VIDEOS
MISSIONS ON YOUR HEART?
If you are a ministry, minister, or person of God that wants to dive deeper into missions but don't know how that looks for you, feel free to contact me. I would love to explore your heart and see where God leads you. I can share with you all the avenues that I am aware of in the hopes of connecting and plugging you into the right place that God has for you in the world of missions. Reaching lives for Jesus Christ in the international fields requires thoughtful planning. There is a mission pipeline sort of speak that needs to be built out specifically for you. I can help you do that.
Mission Director
MorningStar Missions
502-509-3607 USA#
shawn@morningstarmissions.org
CHECK OUT OUR MISSION TRAINING VIDEOS
MISSIONS ON YOUR HEART?
If you are a ministry, minister, or person of God that wants to dive deeper into missions but don't know how that looks for you, feel free to contact me. I would love to explore your heart and see where God leads you. I can share with you all the avenues that I am aware of in the hopes of connecting and plugging you into the right place that God has for you in the world of missions. Reaching lives for Jesus Christ in the international fields requires thoughtful planning. There is a mission pipeline sort of speak that needs to be built out specifically for you. I can help you do that.
RSS Feed