Missionaries: Pursuing God or Seeking Glory?

The question of whether individuals become missionaries to bring people to God or for the glorification of the role has been a topic of much debate. Sometimes, individuals are driven by a deep passion for sharing the message of their faith, while sadly, others may seek personal glory.

Why Do People Become Missionaries?

For the majority, the motivation comes from a genuine desire to spread their faith. Those who embark on missionary work for the right reasons often find that their own lives have been profoundly impacted by their relationship with Christ. They understand the redeeming love of God and are passionate about sharing this with others.

Missionaries for the Right Reasons

These missionaries see the positive changes in their own lives and are eager to see others experience the same transformation. Their work is driven by a desire to share Christ's love rather than seeking personal glory. This selfless approach can bring about significant positive changes in the communities they serve.

Missionaries for the Wrong Reasons

Unfortunately, not everyone carries this same intent. Some individuals become missionaries to gain personal recognition or to enhance their image. However, such motivations can be detrimental to everyone involved. When individuals seek personal glory, their work loses its integrity, and they are unable to serve selflessly, which is a crucial aspect of missionary work.

Organizational Approaches to Screening and Training

To address these issues, mission organizations have developed rigorous screening processes and training programs. These measures ensure that only those committed to serving God are chosen for missionary roles. Effective organizations place a strong emphasis on screening candidates to ensure they are working for the right reasons.

Personal Experience

I have personally been involved in missionary work, and it is far from glamorous. It can feel like being a door-to-door salesman with no interest from the community. My intentions were righteous, but the methods may have been flawed. While the experience was valuable, it could have been more effective had we focused on helping people without pressuring them to accept Christ.

The Role of Selflessness

The most important aspect of missionary work is the selfless service to the community. Those who seek personal glory may fail to provide this selflessness, which is vital for effective missionary work. They often fail to deliver genuine, meaningful experiences, and the focus shifts from the spiritual well-being of others to personal recognition.

Observations of the Field

Observing the work of missionaries, it is clear that most of them are deeply motivated by their faith. Those I have met attribute any success to God alone, and they make no effort to seek personal glory. Their purity of intent and selflessness are a testament to the true spirit of missionary work.

While the path of missionary work can be challenging, the satisfaction of knowing one is genuinely helping others is immeasurable. It is essential for those in the role to be guided by a deep sense of Christian duty, not by a desire for personal honor.