John 17:18: “As you sent me into the world [Father], I have sent them into the world.” 

The Bible describes Jesus’ followers in a number of ways. We are called forgiven sinners, adopted sons and daughters, and beloved members of the body of Christ. All of these are key aspects of who we are in Christ. However, there’s an important life task we take on as Christians, and that is to spread the good news of Jesus; we are sent and are supposed to live up to being sent.

After Jesus’ resurrection, his followers received the Holy Spirit to empower them for mission. As Jesus’ followers today, we are called to share the good news of Jesus in our words and actions, inviting people to place their faith in Jesus just as we have done. No matter where you are in the world, no matter how rich or poor, that’s what you’re called to do.

Too often, local churches become wrapped up in their own concerns. Christians spend so much time running Church programs and dealing with internal conflicts or life tribulations, that they have little energy to build relationships with people outside the church. It’s not surprising that many of our churches are shrinking and that a lot of church “growth” is just a result of Christians transferring from one congregation to another. Jesus’ teaching makes clear, however, that his followers are partners in God’s mission of saving people who are lost in sin. It’s not enough to simply talk about sharing our faith. It’s not enough to just go to Church and listen to someone speak on the Bible. It’s part of our identity in being the people God calls us to be. It’s putting more than words into play.

You might be asking at this point in this short reading, what does being “sent” mean exactly? If you take a look at how Jesus lived, He lived dangerously and courageously. Jesus didn’t live a life of safety. This is exactly what we’re called to do, to live to reach the lost no matter how dangerous it may seem. The word “dangerous” in this reading isn’t supposed to scare you, it’s supposed to ignite a fire within you so that you strive to reach as many people as you can. It doesn’t mean book a flight to the most unsafe country and Bible thump people. You have to look within to figure out the abilities God gave you, and use those to tap into where God has assigned you.

If you’ve been living a life comfortable and content, maybe you need to search again to where God wants you. Our lives aren’t meant to be lived in our house doing absolutely nothing. Our lives are meant to be lived courageously, dangerously, and fearlessly.