Your Mission, should you choose to accept it . . . .
This is the opening line of a popular television show named “Mission Impossible” that ran from 1966 through 1973 and returned from 1988 to 1990. In this show, a group of specially trained agents took on missions to overcome evil organizations. They were allowed to refuse the mission if they thought it too dangerous or if it was really an impossible one. Of course, on TV the missions were always accepted, never really impossible, and yes, these agents always triumphed over evil.
Believe it or not, there are applications to the premise for this show as it relates to the Christian. In other words, there are some similarities as well as differences between Christians and these actors playing their parts in this television series. One of the main differences is that we as Christians are not to be simply “playing a part”. Our mission is one of life or death according to 2 Corinthians 5:10, and the final outcome will not be determined until we depart from this life to that which is beyond to be judged according to the things we have done in this life. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Upon hearing the Gospel we chose the mission when we believe Christ is the Son of God and all that entails, made the choice to repent or turn away from our sins, confessed before men that Christ is the Son of God and were baptized into Christ. As such we became “agents” of the Lord in this mission.
We too are to be specially trained. God has given us His training manual – The Bible, to equip us and prepare for the mission. In 2 Peter 3:17-18 we see that we are to continue our training and as we do we are to grow. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.
One similarity between the show and the Christian is that once a mission was begun, it had to be seen to its end. For the show it was the completion of whatever mission was offered. To the Christian there is but one mission. It is faithful service to God in accordance to the New Testament until death.
In the show, there were often parts of the mission that had to be carried out so the main mission could be completed. The same is true in our mission as Christians. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 28:19-20 what part of our mission is. He said this to His apostles, but also applies to us today. He said: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you
An important aspect of our mission is to know that it could end at any time. There is always some uncertainty as to how long we will continue on this earth. The Spirit had James write of this in James 4:14 as a warning to us to always put our mission first. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Another important part of our mission is to know how that we are not to allow the enemy to influence us or to lead us away from the task we have accepted. Our mission is one of a religious nature. The Holy Spirit also had James address this in James 1:27. God wants us to participate in pure religion and He has told us how. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Keeping ourselves “unspotted from the world” means we won’t be fraternizing with the enemy.
It is also true that we cannot participate in the mission on the side of truth and right until we have become agents for the Lord. God has given us the instructions as how to take part in the mission as well as the guidelines for that mission. Isn’t it about time to make a choice to serve God and do His Will?
To choose this mission one must: HEAR THE GOSPEL– Romans 10:14; BELIEVE – Acts 8:37; REPENT – Acts 17:30; CONFESS – Matthew 10:32-33; BE BAPTIZED – 1 Peter 3:21. Then we must REMAIN FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH – 2 Peter 2:21-22. Having started the mission and then become unfaithful, one can RETURN TO THE MISSION THROUGH REPENTANCE AND PRAYER – Acts 8:22
The only way this “mission” is impossible for you is if you refuse to be obedient to the gospel and thereby refuse the mission. Philippians 4:13 reminds us: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Christ will support you through this mission all the way – if you will let Him.
Dennis S. – Mooresville
