There is no such thing as a mundane mission field

This past week, many churches talked about Thomas, (the gospel of John calls him Didymus, but we often call him doubting). Sometimes we read John 20:19-31 with a bit disappointment in Thomas, but we often forget the Thomas of chapter 11, verse 16.

In chapter 11:16 Thomas is willing to follow Christ to death when the group heads to Bethany to attend to Lazarus. After this statement, we may feel a bit let down when Thomas refuses to believe the others about the resurrection of Christ. But is that fair?

The problem with so many of the disciples, and even people today, is the expectations of following Christ often are different that the actual experience. Thomas expected a leader who would overcome Romans and change the world. When Christ died without a fight, Thomas was broken. He was willing to die a brave death for Christ, but how could he go on and believe after what he has seen?

Before you condemn Thomas too much, how would you have reacted? I know of people who felt ready to be ministers and preachers for Christ. But, when they found out that their parish was to be a small one, they were disappointed because they had a grander vision. Many want to do mission work, until they find out the mission is to help their neighbor next door.

I find it intriguing that we seem to be ready for the grand ministry in the church, but the mundane is not worth mentioning. However, in Christ, there is no mundane.

Thomas would become not just a believer, but an ardent believer. He would carry the message to India, where he would find martyrdom. He would pave the way for the Gospel in that corner of the world and die for it. Thus, fulfilling his words from John 11:16, “…Let us go, so that we may die with him”.

We too must be willing to go and die with Christ, but not in the way you think. We must be willing to put aside our fears and our pride so that people can hear the Gospel of Christ. If ministry is what you feel called to do, be ready to do it by any means necessary.

By this I mean, don’t look for the 1000-member church to preach in. Instead look for the mop bucket and show people servanthood. Be ready to serve, not be served. Small groups and churches are no better or worse than large ones. Personally, I believe God will put you where you need to be, but you must be willing to go there.

There in lies the rub. To fulfill the kingdom of God, you must be willing to take on ANY job God calls you to do. This means saving souls with a pulpit and/or a mop bucket. There is no job that is beneath you when you are serving Christ.

Thomas’ feelings were real because he was real. Christ used him to make a way for the Far East to hear the Gospel, but only after Thomas was willing to believe.

What about you?

See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.