In a June post called "Grace Allows. Grace Compels", I wrote about the gift of going on a mission trip is a heaping portion of God's grace bestowed upon His children. It is a great gift to have God allow us to "go", and it is a great gift to have had our hearts changed to the point that we are compelled to "go'. It is a gift. Grace toward us shows up in opportunities to share the love of Jesus…to share and extend the same grace he has extended to us.
Global missions is not only a means of sharing the love and grace of Christ with people oversees, it is a venue in which those "going" learn to extend Christ-like love and grace to one another. Learning to work as a team in a spirit of grace and unity is massively important because the entire process of serving can be undercut, if not completely obliterated if grace is not flowing freely within a mission team.
For the sake of unity, before this year's Ethiopia mission team was even formed, the decision was made to have team meetings approximately every 2 weeks for the 3 months prior to departure.
During our last several mission trips to Ethiopia, we had leaders there share that the teams from South Bay Church have been notably unified and good to work with. This was so very encouraging because we have prayerfully worked hard with some great leaders to build solid teams that know and care for one another months before we set foot on Ethiopian soil.
Honestly, it was very humbling to hear this from people in-country who have hosted so many mission teams in Ethiopia over the years.
The effort to organize and attend these pre-trip gatherings pays off in great dividends in the mission field. I've had the privilege of experiencing the results first-hand over the past several years.
One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of meeting regularly before leaving the country is the art of getting to know one another.
As human beings, we naturally tend to judge others quickly. We come to conclusions about who they are without getting to know them. Often, our assumptions about somebody begin to slowly create tension in a relationship even before it gets off the launch pad. Before you know it, there is rift in the team and unity is hindered. It may be subtle, but it is there and Satan will take advantage of it.
It is why team building gatherings, meals, prayer, reading and the sharing of life-stories are so important before embarking on a mission trip. Taking the time to know one another creates empathy and cultivates a grace-infused culture which helps chip away the presuppositions we have of other teammates.
Additionally, where grace flows, team members can be real…they become known. When someone is known and accepted, they can operate more effectively and freely in their God-given giftedness. This also leaves less room for the devil to work his schemes.
Creating a grace infused team culture will lay the foundation for unity. Unity is the ground upon which influence and Kingdom impact is built.
Our teams read a book called, "Before You Go".
The author, Jack Hempfling says, "Knowing the love, acceptance, and support of the group(team) frees individuals to move in their personal gifting. Yet such trust and love takes time to develop. Building unity during team preparation is also important because the enemy of our souls will often attack team unity on the mission."
If a team lacks grace within itself, it will lack unity and it's efforts to effectively serve and share the gospel will be greatly hindered.
God's word has much to say about the unity of His people. Unity happens as a result of His children living in a manner that reflects his grace.
The bible does not pull any punches in the call to extend grace. Nor does it dance around the importance of unity.
If we peel back the nature of what it looks like to serve together as fellow Christ-followers, it comes down to one word: Grace.
We are called to extend to one another the same grace we receive from Jesus.
We did not…and do not deserve the grace lavished over us from a perfect and loving God. So, who are we to self-righteously withhold grace from others?
In case you think that last statement was too strong...before we hit some practical material from the book of Romans, I want you to read Philippians 2:1-8. Read it…out loud …slowly. Pay attention.
"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
So. How did that strike you? What did you see? What encouraged you? What challenged…or convicted you?
A few things that stood out for me:
1. "If there is ANY encouragement in Christ, ANY comfort, ANY participation in the Spirit, ANY affection and sympathy…"
Paul is pleading for us to get this.
In his desperate plea, Paul is letting us know that what he is about to say is of the utmost importance.
2. "…being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and one mind."
Paul's is a call to unity. Unity. Unity that comes from cooperating with the Spirit.
Paul mentions the "mind" twice here. One is the individual mind that is transformed and renewed by God's word(Romans 12:2). The other is the corporate mind - A group of believers living and serving in unity because the Spirit is at work in them first individually, then as a whole. Paul also speaks about "having the same love". This is the outward manifestation…or overflowing love of Christ that ought to be evident in those who call themselves Christ-followers.
3. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
Paul is saying, "Get off your high horse and walk in humility…serve one another…it's not all about you."
4. "Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others."
Again…serve one another. Get over yourself and ask how you can be a blessing to somebody else.
(Do you think Paul is trying to make a point here?)
5. "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…"
Paul is saying, "Hey, if you are professing Jesus as Lord…and His Spirit is really in you, you ought to have a similar mindset and heart toward others."
6. "...though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped…"
It is almost as though Paul is saying, "Uhmmm…Yes, I know it's tough to extend grace to THAT person...but, Jesus is God, and you are not…He is perfect and you are not…He has every reason to NOT extend grace to you, but did(and does). So…tell me again your reason for being so prideful and not extending grace to THAT person? Just curious."
7. "...emptied himself, by taking on the form of a servant…"
Paul is reminding us that Jesus is not only Creator-God, but out of love and in humility, he poured His life out for the very creation that betrayed and mocked him. That's you. That's me.
God in his grace offers us the sweetness of not just salvation, but ongoing grace and forgiveness for our prideful, ignorant, rebellious and blind behavior. Upon recognizing that, how can we not extend grace to others?
In the context of global missions, how can we even consider serving amongst the poor in a so-called third-world country and share the love of Christ when we are not displaying it to the brother serving next to us? How can one speak of grace while they justify not living it out?
Does God not see this charade? How can he move with impact through an individual who is secretly harboring bitterness and resentment to a team member? His word tells us he is "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble". -James 4:6
In Galatians 6:7, there are strong words for those who living and serving in community with one another: "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked". In other words - Who do you think you are fooling? You may have the team fooled, but Jesus knows your heart and, for the sake of His name and your well-being, he will eventually expose you.
Now, before you get offended, go talk to Jesus about it. They are His words, not mine. His words are said with a love for you and I that we cannot fathom.
Though He is patient with us, in His word, Jesus leaves no room for one to knowingly allow their heart to remain in such a state(and you know when you have taken issue with somebody). His love for you and I is so deep, he died not only for our salvation, but for our wholeness. So that all our hurts, insecurities and pride could be left at the foot of the cross as we rest in the fact that we are loved by our Creator.
He cares for you deeply and knows unresolved heart issues cause damage not only in the life of one who harbors it - thus hindering a deep relationship with him - but much like a virus, will leach out and adversely infect those in close proximity(in this case, the mission trip and the overall impact of the team).
He is gracious to listen to our complaining about another person.
Jesus is so gracious to us, he hears us out even when we try to justify our lack of grace to others. He listens when we say or think, "Lord, I just don't get him/her." "They hurt my feelings." "We are just too different to serve so closely." "I wish they would be more..."
I am grateful that when I become critical and lack grace for others, Jesus does't go to the Father and say, "I'm not going to extend grace to Mark. I am not too happy about the nails put into my hands on his behalf. He really hurt me with that crown of thorns. We are so different…I'm God…the One who created everything, and Mark…well, he can't even put in the effort to read my Word every day. I just don't get why he continually blows it…even though I took the beating he deserved."
Jesus had every reason to deny being gracious to you and I. Yet, in love, he became the greatest Giver of grace the world will ever see.
Romans 12:9-21 really came to life for me in light of reading the above passage from Philippians.
Instead of going through each verse, I want to touch on just a few. This is wonderfully practical. It is also a mirror of sorts that can stir some conviction in our hearts if we are walking in a contrary manner.
Read it in light of Jesus' humility in Philippians 2:1-8.
Romans 12:10 says: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Here, I simply ask, "How are you doing?" Are you loving your team members with brotherly/sisterly (yes, ladies…you too) affection? If you asked each team member if they felt loved by you, how do you think they would respond?
How about out doing one another in showing honor?
As a team leader, are you honoring team members by hearing them out…by creating a safe place for them to be real?
As a team member, are you honoring the person or persons leading the trip by cooperating with plans and communications that are shared?
Are you loving and honoring fellow team members with your attitude and your words?
Are you holding grudges or resentment?
Do you need to confess some to someone that you pre-judged them based on age, race, socio-economic status, or something they said or did which you may have taken wrongly?
Is actual repentance and forgiveness in order? Did you actually judge someone…and need to repent. Do you need to forgive someone?
Lastly, are you humble enough to give others the benefit of the doubt and assume they are doing the best they can with where they are in life? (I assume you'd want the same from them)
PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Often times honoring somebody, is a simple as being very real with what you are feeling. Have a chat. You'd be surprised by how well it can go when you prayerfully approach someone with love and humility.
Verse 16: "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty…Never be wise in your own sight."
Living in harmony cannot happen when there is a lack of extending grace. Lack of grace will always lead to disunity, lack of harmony and diminishing returns on serving together.
Lack of grace is often rooted in "haughtiness"(or pride). Pride was the first sin that split up the Heavenly host, causing the angel Lucifer to be cast out of heaven and become the Prince of Pride.
The tricky part about pride in that we are blind to our own pridefulness. "I'm not proud. Just look how humble I am. Just ask me."
We are all prone to haughtiness. We are blind to our own pride. I don't know about you, but it is really easy for me to justify my being "right". I am spring loaded to believe my perspective is the right one. I just need you to see that yours is not necessarily wrong, but mine simply makes more sense. The other person is most likely the one that needs to change…not me!
"Never be wise in your own sight."
PRACTICAL APPLICATION: If you are the team leader, ask a few people on the team how you come across when you share. Be open to hearing whatever they say. It may make you feel encouraged…it may be a bit uncomfortable. It's OK. Jesus loves you…and the team member probably really cares for you as well!
Verse 18: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceable with all."
This verse is beautifully simple and practical. I did not say it would be "easy"!
It is saying that YOU, NOT the other person, is responsible to make the approach to reconcile or get things out on the table.
"If possible..."- Do you have a phone? Email? A place to meet? As long as the "other person" has not barricaded themselves into a bunker…and they are alive on planet earth, Jesus says YOU are called to make the effort ("…as far as it depends on you…").
We are called to live in peace with brothers and sisters in Christ. It is especially crucial when serving on mission trips abroad.
YOU are the responsible party.
Can you imagine if all us "YOU's" did what God called us to do? Humble ourselves as Christ humbled himself.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION: If there is any sign of tension between you and another team member, just know that Jesus loves you both. He knows you are BOTH broken. So take a deep breath, rest in that truth and prayerfully approach the person.
As pastor friend of mine, Justin Buzzard often says, "Run to the tension".
You might start off by saying, "Hey, I am really excited to be serving with you on this trip. I want to see God move in mighty ways through our team. I also want my heart to be in position to hear from him…and to serve you well along the way. Please let me know if I am imagining this, but I can sense there may be some tension here…" Or, "…I want to ask your forgiveness. I assumed some things about you…"
Obviously, men and women will have different approaches on this. The intent is to simply create an environment of grace.
Real relationships are messy. Shallow ones are never tested.
Authentic friendships are forged in the fires of adversity and nurtured in waters of grace.
Like soldiers in the trenches, teams of people with the greatest unity have usually pressed through some challenges.
So...
Does the person on your team with whom there is some tension deserve grace from you. Nope.
Do you deserve to receive grace from them? Nope
This is how grace happens: We respond to others in grace as we recognize how gracious God has been to us…how, through Christ, he let's us off the hook. Over and over and over again.
Grace toward others flows from a repentant human heart that has recognized the kindness and grace it constantly receives from God.
Nobody deserves God's grace. Nobody.
We receive grace because God is gracious and loving. Period.
Jesus freely grants it to us. Pure, 100%, reckless, ridiculous and never-ending grace from the ONLY perfect being in existence.
Jesus gives it.
As recipients of grace, we have unity with the Father through Jesus. In the ultimate act of grace, Jesus gave away every right he had in order to redeem unity between the Father and the very people(you and I) who put him on the cross.
As a result…as children of God, our response to one another ought to be grace.
In preparing for a mission trip, take the time get to know one another. Be deliberate about it. Pray together. Play together. Share meals. Share stories. Be real. Develop a culture of grace.
Grace brings unity. Unity displays love. Love creates a platform upon which the gospel can be shared.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples; if you have love for one another."
John 13:35
As we serve in Global Missions, a grace infused team will exhibit the unity and contagious love required for the Gospel to penetrate even the most hardened heart.
