Years ago, when Christians talked about living on mission, they envisioned people who felt called to take the gospel to distant lands and different cultures. Today, however, living on mission includes thinking and acting like a missionary in the place where you live.
This is a good development because it reinforces the idea that you are where you are for a reason. You were handpicked and strategically placed by God to make an eternal impact on the people you see every day. You are where you are because God wants you to be His faithful witness in that place.
Jesus sends you out to work in the fields
Matthew 9.36-38 ESV says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
In these verses, Jesus is preparing to send His disciples out to share the gospel among the people they know. Notice the word picture that Jesus uses to describe where they’ll be going and what they’ll be doing. Instead of fishing, this time Jesus likens what they’re doing to being sent out to work in fields that are filled with crops that are ready to be harvested.
You’ve been given four fields
In farming communities, you can be sure that the farmers know the boundaries of their fields. They know that harvesting the crops in their fields is their responsibility, and they take great joy in doing their work. In the same way, you’ve been given a field in which to work. In fact, you’ve been given four fields: where you live, where you learn, where you work, and where you play.
Those fields are the places where God has placed you to participate in His kingdom work. They’re the places where you’re already engaging and meeting people. Can you imagine what a difference it would make if every Christian person was praying for and witnessing to the people in their fields? It would be revolutionary! That’s what God has called you to do.
The first step to living on mission is to identify your four fields and then determine which field is ripe for harvest, or most receptive to the gospel. Keep in mind that the most receptive field might not be the first one that comes to your mind. Be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to show you who is ready and who isn’t.
Also, remember that a field that is open and receptive today won’t be open and receptive forever. Things change and people move. Be flexible and sensitive to how the Holy Spirit is moving and directing you. Spend time and cultivate relationships with the people who are most ready to hear and respond to the gospel.
