Touchstone #6

Christian mission involves continuing the suffering of Christ for the world. We live in a culture that is rooted in the assumption that the primary drive in life is to avoid suffering. We believe that pain and suffering are sure proof that we are not doing God's will, that we have done something wrong. The same is often assumed in mission. If mission is too costly (e.g. evangelizing in Islamic nations, planting churches in Cambodia, challenging oppressive governments), then we assume that the door is shut, and we redirect our efforts.

Yet Jesus promised that following him would involve taking up our cross. The apostle Paul spoke of filling up in his flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions. Mission that costs us nothing may not be true Christian mission at all. When we engage in costly mission, we participate in Christ's ongoing redemptive suffering for the world.