What does suffering have to do with missions? The Bible has much to say on this topic. Suffering is the cost of building the church, it's the price of making others bold, it enforces the call to go, and it shows the supremacy of God as we suffer with joy for his sake and the gospel knowing our treasure is in heaven.
We are forced to look at ourselves as we see the call of Jesus to "come and die." We must admit that we're infatuated with comfort, ease, and prosperity rather than being willing to suffer loss for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Will this be a turning point? Will you show the supremacy of God by joyfully considering the "blessings" of life as loss for the sake of the Christ and the spread of the gospel?
Consider the following questions:
1. Men, how can you lead your family to be consumed with living for God and the sake of the gospel? How do you show your priorities in how you spend your free time? Can you read Mark 8:34-35 and say, "Yes, I'm doing that."
2. Women, how can you help in your homes so your family is not so attached to the world? How can you show discipline in spending on clothes, furnishings, toys, so that your family would not be so preoccupied by worldly possessions? Removing the comforts of life will not make us godly, but the excess by which we're accustomed to in Calgary can certainly lead us away from God, his call and commission and make us lethargic when it comes to making Christ known. Are there things in your home that you need to sell in order to give the proceeds to the poor or the furtherance of the gospel?
3. How is the supremacy of God shown in your life? If someone was to get to know a little about you, would they say, "He's an avid golfer." or "He loves hockey." or "She's certainly got a beautiful house." or "He/she is very busy with a lot of things!" Would they ever say, "He/she obviously loves God and is willing to suffer loss for making his glory known."
4. What are you going to do in response to God's word, to Christ's call (Mark 8:34-35), and Christ's commission (Matt 28:19-20)?
Finally, remember that our motivation for living a life for Christ is not so that we can boast or earn favor with God, it is because we are infatuated with him and what he has done for us (Phil 3:7-11).
God, Suffering, and Evil
Tim Stephens
