Last December, I saw the movie ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ and it quickly became my favourite. It made me think a lot about why we need to live a missional life. In one part of the movie, the main character, Jake, goes to live with a sea clan because his family is in danger. They had to leave their home in the forest and adapt to a new way of living near the sea. When humans threatened them, Jake, who knew about humans, helped the sea clan face the danger.
This movie reminded me of a part in the Bible, Romans 10:14-15.
- How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
- And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
It talks about how important it is to tell people about God. It’s like when Jake had to warn the sea clan about the humans. This brings me to my first point: we should preach about God’s love, especially to the unreached people. It could be our family, friends, or even people from faraway places. I got to meet and help refugees from different parts of the world right here in Southeast Asia, as God is bringing these unreached people into where I am.
Sometimes, we might feel sad because we share God’s love, but people don’t seem to respond. A friend, Dr. Toh, told me that it’s not our job to make people believe; we are just tools used by God. We should share God’s love not just by talking but by living in a way that shows His love.
In verse 15 of Romans, it says that sending is the first step before preaching. This brings me to my second point: we are all called to preach God’s love. I attended the “Arise Asia Conference 2023” in July, where over 1500 people from Asia gathered. They encouraged everyone to spend at least one year doing something for a mission. Regular people, like teachers and doctors, responded to God’s call to spread His love.
My co-workers, both are in their 20s, responded to God’s calling to serve the marginalized communities though the jobs that they could have gotten can earn huge fortune. When I asked them why they choose to serve rather than earning big money, they said “God has called, and I am willing to answer the call.” Simple respond but powerful sacrifices was made.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, God wants all of us to tell others about His love, not just with words but by how we live. This goes beyond the people close to us and includes those God brings into our lives. God wants you to be involve and He is patiently waiting for you to respond to the call.
