Christianity is like Covid. When you get it, you can't help giving it to those around you, and before you know it, it has spread around the world. Well, that was Jesus' plan at least. His final words in Matthew were for Christians to 'make disciples of all nations'. But 2000 years on, we are yet to fulfil that great commission. In fact, there are still millions of people in our world who are yet to ever hear of Jesus. There is such a big need. Yet what kind of parent would want their precious child to grow up, move overseas, suffer, and possibly die for the sake of the gospel? A Christian one might. However you currently feel about this issue, here are 5 reasons to grow your kids' desire for world mission.
Jesus commands it
This is the most straightforward one. Jesus commands his people to:
go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20
If we want to obey our king, we need to take this command seriously. We need to take it seriously as individuals, as families and as churches. That means as parents, we want to help our kids think about this element of Christian life.
Our hearts demand it
It is pretty hard to sit by comfortably and watch as people head to hell. Well at least it should be. Especially if those people don't have anyone warning them about the coming storm. As we think about the fate of the lost, how can our hearts not turn towards them in compassion? Imagine if it was your kids growing up without ever hearing the name Jesus? Wouldn't you want someone to come and tell them? Of course you would! So let us help our kids grow in compassion for the lost kids of the nations.
Jesus is waiting
The Bible is clear that the only reason Jesus hasn't returned yet is because he still has more people to save.
Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation 2 Peter 3:15
But it isn't simply people in general he is waiting to save. He has a particular desire to see the nations come in.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14
If Jesus hasn't yet returned because he's waiting for the nations to come in, then it makes sense for his followers to jump on board with what he is doing.
God's plan is for the nations
Furthermore, we see in Revelation that God's plan is to have people 'from every tribe and language and people and nation' (Rev 5:9) as part of his people. But why? Why is this such a theme in the New Testament? Well, it didn't start in the NT. God's promise to Abraham is a global one.
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:3
God's plan to save 'all peoples' is largely because of who God is. He is a saving God. 'Our God is a God who saves' (Psalm 68:20). And because he is so gracious and glorious, he can't but ensure his salvation extends to the ends of the earth. To every last nation. And if this is his plan, then it is something worth our families getting behind.
Mission is actually great for our kids
Isn't it funny that the things God commands us are actually really good for us? And mission is no exception. Thinking and praying about mission is such a good thing for our kids' souls. It will get them thinking beyond themselves. They will focus on the gospel. They will pray. They will think about heaven and hell. They will dream of ways in which they can take up their cross and follow Jesus. And if they do become overseas missionaries, the sacrifices they make will be worth it 100 times over. Not only because they will become more like Jesus, but also because they will get to spend forever with people who are the fruit of their work. That is a sweet thought.
If we are genuinely seeking to raise our kids in the Lord we can't help but inspire them towards mission. We don't need to be afraid of it, because as Jesus promised right after his great mission command, 'Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age' (Matt 28:20). A heart for mission is one of the best gifts we can give our kids. Keep an eye out for some quick tips on how to do this coming soon.