Living a Life on Mission

We all know the perfect conversation starter for kids is the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question as old as time. We were asked about it when we were children, we asked our friends in school, and now we’re asking our very own children the same thing. We’ve heard answers as simple as “a professional football player” to things as specific as “an ophthalmologist” (Yes, I knew a kid in elementary school who wanted to be that!). The depth of a child’s imagination is endless! It’s clear God’s crafted each of us with a purpose, and we see it throughout Scripture. Jeremiah 1:4–5 (NIV) says, “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’” David, the young shepherd boy-turned-king, writes, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:16–17 NIV).  In each of our unique purposes, God has equipped us with the ability to share His story with those who don’t know Him. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a command we must obey, and His providence has made it possible so we may abide by that calling, no matter where we end up in life.  We see the emphasis Jesus gave to His very own disciples while He was still teaching them in Luke 10:1–24. They went out on missions to their surrounding cities and rejoiced when they saw the work the Lord did. But their learning didn’t end there. They kept following Jesus, and He continued to demonstrate power everywhere they went. For kids growing up, there may be a perception that mission trips are the only way people spread the gospel—and when one returns from that trip, life goes back to normal at home until the next go-around. They may also wonder how they can spread the gospel in their everyday lives. What’s encouraging is the reality that our entire lives are a testament to Jesus Christ, and every person we ever meet is a soul with an eternal destination. So, here are three verses and words of encouragement you can share with your kid(s) regarding their purpose in missions:

1. Matthew 5:14–15 (NIV)

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”  You’re an example to everyone you meet. Live a life trying to be like Jesus, and His light will shine through you in class, at football practice, at rehearsal, etc.

1. Esther 4:14 (NIV)

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” God made Esther a queen for a very special reason: for the Jews to be saved at that time. God has a very special plan He made just for you as well!

1. Acts 4:20

“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” There’s a reason we’re called witnesses of the gospel. We simply witnessed what Jesus did in our lives and how He saved us, and we cannot help but tell everyone about it!