The Mission Close to Home: A Reflection #1896

The Mission Close to Home: A Reflection In this era of wings and far-flung horizons, we find ourselves entranced by the allure of distant lands, forgetting the sacred soil beneath our feet. The fervor to spread the Word and save distant souls often eclipses the quiet cries of those nearby. We fly far, hearts bold, seeking to heal scars in lands unknown, yet the bowls we leave behind crack and leak, their water spilling in silent sorrow. We live in a time where the immediate, the nearby, seems less compelling. The problems of our neighbors grow graver, more pressing, yet we turn our gaze to the distant, the faraway, boarding planes with hearts full of good intentions. How can we truly understand the plight of those afar when we remain oblivious to the struggles of those next door? Water flows the same, whether near or far. Love, too, must bridge the gap between our aspirations and our immediate responsibilities. The bowl we carry close to home, worn and in need of repair, demands our attention. Love must be shown here, where the cracks first appear. Hebrews 13:16 calls us with a clear voice, "Do not forget to do good and to share with your neighbors, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." This sacred text reminds us that the mission is not only a journey to distant lands but a commitment to mending what is broken at home. Sacrifices made in the name of love, whether for a distant stranger or a nearby neighbor, please God equally. As we stand in this global age, with mission fields on every hand, let us remember: love begins at home. The true measure of our mission is found in the reflection of those we see daily. The call to do good and share is not bounded by geography but is a universal mandate. Let us not neglect the bowls that leak close to home, for in the act of mending them, we find the essence of our faith. In every sacrifice made for a neighbor, in every act of shared goodness, we draw nearer to the divine. The mission close to home is as sacred and necessary as any journey we undertake to distant lands. Pastor Steve G. Lee (June 24, 2024)