A Vision for Missions by Tom Wells is such a good read. The subtitle, "The Character of God and the Missionary Motive"
is a wonderful explanation of what the book is about.
Missions has always been dear to me because of family members who served on foreign soil, so I was excited to read this book when I came across it on the book table at church.
The whole premise of the book has to do with the heart motives of a person when they surrender to go to the mission field...not in a negative way, but one that caused me, as a reader, to consider my own motives for when and how I serve the Lord.
Basically, the author is reminding the reader throughout the book that God is worthy.
Here's a quote that really stuck out to me,
"...increasing your own knowledge of God to the point where speaking of His glory becomes a part of you."
Going to the mission field isn't about our own glory,
or us "making converts" (that's the Holy Spirit's job),
or "Americanizing" the people God has called us to.
Rather it's about loving Him to the extent
that His glory is evident in our lives,
which He will in turn use to draw others to Himself.
I underlined probably half of the book, it's that good.
Yes, it's about missions.
Yes, it's about heart motives.
But mostly, it's about showing by the way we live our lives that
God is worthy!
It's a fairly short read...only 155 pages...
but it's definitely one that I would recommend.
sounds like an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it.
DeleteSounds like a good read!!
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
I thought it was, Donna.
DeleteI am always so in awe of those who dedicate their lives to missions. It's not something I ever felt called to and in many ways, I'll relieved. It takes a very special person with a God-calling and openness to do that.
ReplyDeleteYes, my friend, it definitely has to be a calling of God on someone's life to give of themselves and to show that God is worthy. xx
DeleteI sure admire those who have this calling on their lives and who actually give of themselves to do the Lord's work. Sounds like a wonderful and inspiring book.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is an inspiring book, Shug. I could relate to it so well because of having had family on the mission field for a number of years.
DeleteSounds like a nice read.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is, Bill.
DeleteThis sounds very good!
ReplyDeleteI'm fairly sure you would thoroughly enjoy it, Barbara.
DeleteLike others I too admire those who dedicate their lives to the mission field but I'm relieved it's not me. I'm an introvert and I find it hard enough being a 'missionary' at home. This does sound like an interesting short read though.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point about being an introvert, Diana, but I know of a few missionaries who would also consider themselves introverts and God uses them in spite of that because the power is in Him as they show Him worthy. Many times, He uses what we see as our weaknesses to show His power and glory.
DeleteThat does sound like a book worth reading 💗
ReplyDeleteIt was such a good book!
DeleteYou got it. It is super important to have good heart motives, and that quote really sticks with you.
ReplyDeleteHello Melody. Yes, the quote was so meaningful to me because it is through having a deeper understanding and knowledge of Him that it is the way that we show Him worthy.
DeleteI love books that make me underline!!
ReplyDeleteI do, too, Ellen! :)
DeleteThank you for your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
You are welcome. 😊
Delete