Start Where You Are...

Jesus was talking to his apostles at the Mount of Olives, when these famous words were first heard.  

"...and you will be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in Judea, and Samaria and even to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8

What caught my attention about this verse was the sequence in which Jesus delivered His commission: starting from Jerusalem, moving to Judea, then Samaria, and finally extending to the ends of the earth. At that time, the Mount of Olives was located just east of Jerusalem. Jesus began by emphasizing the importance of their immediate surroundings—right where they were standing. Next, He mentioned Judea. Jerusalem, being the capital of Judea, served as a natural starting point, highlighting their local community and the small areas that surrounded the central city. Following this, He referred to Samaria, located approximately 32+ miles away from Judea. This distance, equivalent to about an hour's journey on foot, was familiar for visits to family or friends in neighboring areas. Finally, He broadened the scope to include the regions beyond—foreign lands, across the sea, and oceans away.

This reflection led me to a crucial question. As believers, we generously contribute to missions across the globe, which is truly commendable. We embark on mission trips once or twice a year, and that is indeed wonderful. But have we paused to consider what we are doing right here and right now? What are we doing for the people in our city or hometown? How about those in our subdivision or even in our own families, under our own roofs? This thought underscores the significance of our placement, as orchestrated by God. When God issues a commission, He often begins by examining how we conduct ourselves in our current situation. For example, before appointing a leader for the flock, the Bible references the importance of how that individual manages their own household, as a precursor to broader responsibilities.

"He must manage his own household well..." 1 Timothy 3:4

I find myself asking this question again, both to myself and to you: What are you doing right now, in this very moment?

As believers, I worry that we have become too comfortable inviting people to church, expecting the pastor to do the witnessing for us. We often plan a mission trip once a year, hoping to introduce strangers to the knowledge of Christ. Yet how often do we venture just across the street, down the road, or reach out to a friend with an uncertain faith? Can you picture the expression on your neighbor's face the moment they find themselves facing the lake of fire? Consider the person who heard about the details of your mission trip while chatting in the front yard in passing, wondering why you never took the time to tell them, warn them, or help them find their way. Think about that coworker you shared lunch with every day for 20 years, or the uncle who has consistently joined your family for Christmas and birthday dinners but doesn't claim to be religious. Reflect on the friend with whom you’ve shared countless memories yet never inquired about their assurance of eternity.

The silence that follows this questioning is truly deafening...and telling.

God places us in our current situations with intention; it's not by chance. While He may call you to distant places during your lifetime, your immediate surroundings serve a purpose. Begin your journey right where you are—in your home, at your job, within your neighborhood, and throughout your city. Don't wait for an expensive ticket, unfamiliar faces, or a church event to muster the courage to make a difference. Avoid relying on special occasions, like Easter Sunday, to pose the important questions. You don’t need a pastor to mention it from the pulpit when you have the opportunity to share your voice five days a week with them opposed to one Sunday they visited with your pastor. Lead your family to Christ through your everyday actions behind closed doors. Share your experiences and the wonderful things God has done in your life with your neighbors. Invite your coworkers to explore their faith by demonstrating how you handle stress and challenges in the workplace. By living out your faith in these everyday interactions, you’ll find that your influence naturally expands, without the need for a planned trip to gain more territory.

The Gospel began with the stories of one man, gradually reaching the twelve closest to Him. From there, it expanded to their towns, friends, and families. The growth into neighboring regions was a natural result of this powerful beginning of starting where you are.

Did you know the first people Jesus witnesses to was friends of his cousin John?

Did you know the first-person Simon won over was his brother?

Did you know the first-person Philip brought to Jesus was his friend Nathanial?

Did you know the first people the woman at the well shared the good news with was her hometown?

Is your everyday life a mission field?

Remember, Jesus didn’t just call us to distant lands; He intended for us to flourish right where we are. Are you keeping your light hidden, waiting for your next trip or that upcoming Big Sunday? God might be waiting on you to act now!

Many people find it challenging to discover their "true purpose" because they often overlook the significance of everyday moments and the unique ways in which God has called them to lead right where they are. Take a moment to consider mothers who read Bible stories to their children at bedtime; one day, that child might grow up to share the Gospel in Africa, all sparked by a mother's tired, yet selfless act of reading a story to instill the Gospel within their son. Or think about fathers who take the time to share their faith with a coworker, who may eventually become a powerful preacher impacting thousands, because of the small seed planted on a lunch break one day. Reflect on the friend you reached out to, completely unaware that your words would lead them to meet Jesus shortly, thereafter, following a tragic car accident days later. Thanks to you, their eternity is filled with joy rather than despair. While these moments may lack all the excitement of an adventure or a souvenir t-shirt along with photos in a foreign land, I assure you, the rewards are just as profound according to Scriptures.

"I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." - Luke 15:7

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Sincerely, Selena