One day I was having a conversation with a pastor in Oklahoma City and the topic of our conversation was mission trips for high school students. He told me that in his view, the number one goal of a mission trip for high school students at his church was to "break the narcissism" of the teenagers.
Now to be sure, as Americans we tend to be rather narcissistic...very self-absorbed and morbidly ego-centric. But is changing the mind-set and world-view of our teenagers really worthy of being the number one priority of any missions endeavor? I will agree that it is a lofty outcome and a very beneficial by-product of any externally focused activity, but personally, I hesitate to make it the central focus of a mission trip.
I have the privilege this next week to accompany our high school students on their mission trip to Nashville. We will be working in an inner-city and urban setting, ministering to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of adults and children. I think it is going to be an exciting and life changing week for most of the students. Why, it could even be "the best week of my life!" Students and adults alike will be challenged, stretched, tested and blessed by what they do, observe, share and experience while in Nashville. But what is our purpose for being there?
Without a doubt, we will do good works. We will be used by God to meet some of the basic needs of the human condition: food, shelter, clothing and even connection. Most of us will not return to Oklahoma City the same person were when we left...and that's great! We will be placed in a foreign and unfamiliar culture right here within the United States and it has every possibility of completely resetting our priorities. Praise God!
But none of those outcomes or tasks - as good and worthwhile as they are - fulfill our purpose in going.
Habbakuk 2:4 says: "The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. As the waters cover the earth." Jesus encouraged his followers to let their "light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." What does all this mean? Very simply, this mission trip is not about us who are going. It is not about the people that we will meet and minister to. This mission trip is all about glorifying God. In every thought, word and action. When living to glorify God becomes our sole purpose - whether on this trip or in our daily routine - then all of the other goals and purposes tend to fall into place.
Admittedly, this may sound rather simplistic. In reality, we know that it is not. To choose to daily deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus is no small or insignificant step. It runs completely contrary to our human nature and in direct contradiction to the norms of our society. But it is why we were created. It is our purpose.
How will you fulfill your purpose today?
Soli Deo gloria.
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