Just your presence

So often fear dissuades us from serving God and others. We imagine the task is so great—for the professionals—the “called.” Yet my “work” in Russia often seems rather ordinary—holding a new baby, encouraging a recovering addict, laughing with a new friend, crying with another—but that is the beauty and the message of Christian mission.

Paul tells the Colossians:  “…God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of  glory” (1:27).

In you.

Did you notice those words? In chapter 2:10 he further explains that in Him—in Jesus—we have been made complete. In other words, you already have everything you need to share who Christ is with others. You have it just in your presence.

Nine years ago when I went to Russia for the first time, I didn’t understand this truth. My Christian worldview was muddied by too much striving. I perceived my purpose there as bringing biblical truth to new believers, and I believe I accomplished that. Several trips later, however, I finally realized that Russians were more interested in the why than the what of my presence among them.

People are so hungry to see Jesus and to have the hope that we have. It isn’t likely these hungry ones will ever knock on your door or even enter your church. Jesus told his disciples (and we are among that group) to “go.” The hope of glory is within you—and people will see it—see Him—if you simply go and

“But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV).