When I think about what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Christ I think about that special willingness and faithfulness to do what is asked.
I think about Noah who was asked to build an arc.
I think about Isaiah who said, “Yes I am here, and I will go”
I think about Levi, the tax collector who also said, “Yeah, I will follow.”
I think about Paul who met Jesus in desert.
I think about how they not only said they were willing to go/do, but actually did.
I also think about the rich guy who wanted to follow Jesus, but couldn’t bring himself to give up his wealth.
I think about the people who heard the call to follow, and may have said, “yes I am willing…” but never did.
Mission trips can be an event, a place, and a moment where the call to serve and love others is sent out. It is an opportunity for obedience. Students can gain confidence to seek the will of God and follow, because they realize it is possible. It can open their eyes, they can see.
But can’t they also be just a week on the calendar? A time to hang out with friends? A time to hide iPods, and a time to text? A stinky van and continuous bathroom stops?
How can we take it beyond a thing we do, and take to the realm of transformation? It begins with a heart to follow Jesus and an obedience that does. It starts with us, the leaders.
