Borrowed and amended from Kristi Winkler
1. It is a command.
Most of us cannot go ourselves to spread the word but we should be obedient to support the mission of Jesus. He called us to participate in making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to keep His commandments (Matthew 28: 18-20). There are many ways to be involved with this effort –encourage those who are studying to be ministers of the Gospel, pray for missionaries and mission fields, and lend financial support to those who have heeded the call to go. Faithful monthly giving, even 20 dollars a month, can make a big difference when the whole church body obeys the command of Christ. At CLC we love the mission field.
2. How else will they hear?
The fact that so many still have not been told about the hope that is found in Jesus should be compelling enough. Mercy has been extended to us, and mercy is required of us. In Romans 10:14-15 the Apostle Paul says, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? We must be involved in this effort.
3. Workers are few
Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matt 9:37-38). We are ALL called to play a part in the process of planting, watering, and reaping the harvest. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, that “we are the laborers together with God.” As a believer we must be making effort toward fulfilling the call to reach the lost.
4. Missionaries depend on us
We are told in scripture to pray and provide support to those who give of themselves in taking the gospel to various parts of the earth. Paul asked the church to pray “that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified…and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. (II Thessalonians 3:3). Paul thanked the Philippian church for their contribution to his care (Philippians 4:10-18). Full time missionaries depend on prayer, encouragement and financial support to meet spiritual, emotional and physical needs, so that they can give themselves fully to the work of spreading the gospel.
5. We have been blessed for a reason.
“To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). We have been given so much – freedom to study the Word of God, and many of us have health and enjoy a level of prosperity not seen in other parts of the world. Are we fulfilling our responsibility as good stewards of all that God has given us? It is yet another reason to labor in love.
6. Safe investment
It’s very easy to let ourselves be burdened with the cares of this world and worry about money. The remedy for the anxiety caused by uncertain investments, distress and cupidity, is to seek first God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Giving to the cause of the gospel is a way to store treasures in heaven that will never fade or fail (Matthew 6:20).
7. Reward
There is great reward in investing in the things that have eternal yield. A temporal inheritance can be squandered but an eternal inheritance is a reward that never goes away. “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” (Hebrews 6:10). Sowing seed in the mission field is done with the expectation that a harvest will follow.
8. Loving our neighbor as ourselves
Scripture commands us to not only love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, but also to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are taught that the entire law sits on these two things. (Matthew 22:36-40). When you are hungry, tired, and cold you care for yourself enough to eat, sleep, and warm yourself; this verse asks us to take the extra step of seeking to cover the basic needs of our brothers and sisters, including those out in the field loving and caring for the lost.
9. Glorify God
Ascribing to God honor, dignity, praise and worship is our primary objective as redeemed members of His creation. By obeying Him and following His commands to love Him and love others we bring glory and honor to God.
10. Establish His kingdom on earth:
“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Our prayer should be that the gospel of Christ will be advanced as we prepare for his imminent return. The urgent message to repent heralds the coming of the Christ, bringing his return ever closer as we reach the the nations. When he returns as King he will inspect the investments he has given us to invest. We want him to find us alert and working hard to advance His Kingdom when he returns, not lethargic and apathetic.
A great place to start is to surrender a meal out as an offering to the Lord. Your faithful gift of 30 dollars a month given in the Missions offering at CLC will enable the gospel to be preached to folks around the world! Only Heaven can know the impact of your sacrifice!
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