Missions Smart Part 1: Why Are You Going?

Every missionary, church planter, and ministry worker will eventually face a question that reaches deeper than location, strategy, or support raising:

Why are you doing this?

That question was the focus of our first Missions Class lesson, drawn from Mission Smart: 15 Critical Questions to Ask Before Launching Overseas. Before discussing cultures, languages, visas, or ministry methods, we began by examining the heart.

Because ultimately, the reason you go is often the reason you'll stay.

Good Reasons Aren't Always Enough

If you asked a group of future missionaries why they want to serve overseas, you might hear responses like:

• "I want to reach the lost."
• "I love that culture."
• "I have a burden for those people."
• "I want to learn another language."
• "I love adventure."
• "I want to make a difference."

Many of those are good reasons. In fact, they may be part of God's work in your heart. But while they are good motivations, they are not strong enough to sustain a lifetime of ministry on their own.

Cultures that seem fascinating in a missions conference can become frustrating after years of living in them.

People you deeply love can disappoint you.

The adventure eventually becomes normal life.

The language that once excited you can become exhausting.

What happens then?

If those things were your primary motivation, your ministry may begin to crumble when difficulties arrive.

The Motivation That Lasts

The Apostle Paul wrote:

"For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Corinthians 5:14).

The word constraineth carries the idea of compelling, driving, and motivating. Paul's ministry wasn't fueled primarily by opportunity, excitement, or even results. It was fueled by Christ.

That is the motivation that endures.

When ministry is difficult, Christ remains worthy.

When people disappoint us, Christ remains faithful.

When circumstances become painful, Christ remains sufficient.

A missionary who is serving because of a deep love for Jesus has something stronger than temporary enthusiasm. They have an anchor.

The Storm Test

One of the most helpful thoughts from class was this:

If your reason for going is not strong enough to survive a storm, it is not strong enough to build a ministry on.

Everyone loves the mission field on the mountaintop.

Everyone enjoys ministry when people are getting saved, churches are growing, and life is moving forward.

But what happens when:

• Support drops?
• A church member breaks your heart?
• Language learning feels impossible?
• Ministry becomes discouraging?
• Health problems arise?
• Relationships become difficult?

In those moments, your motivations will be tested.

If your motivation is rooted in circumstances, it may disappear when circumstances change.

If your motivation is rooted in Christ, it can survive the storm.

Lessons from the Field

Many missionaries can testify to loving the people, food, language, and culture of their adopted country. Those things are blessings from God.

But every missionary also experiences difficult days.

Days when ministry feels heavy.

Days when relationships are strained.

Days when the excitement wears off.

The missionary who remains faithful is often not the one with the most talent, education, or natural ability. It is the one who is convinced:

"This is where God wants me, and I am doing this for Him."

That conviction provides stability when emotions change.

A Question Worth Asking

Before asking where God wants you to serve, perhaps ask a more important question:

Why do I want to serve?

Is it because of:

• Adventure?
• Recognition?
• Influence?
• A particular culture?
• A favorite missionary?

Or is it because you genuinely love Christ and want His glory above all else?

The answer matters.

Not because the other things are wrong, but because they cannot carry the weight of a lifetime of ministry.

Only Christ can.

Final Challenge

Whether God is calling you to another country, your hometown, or simply to greater faithfulness where you are today, take time to examine your heart.

Ask God to reveal your true motivations.

Pray that your deepest desire would not be adventure, recognition, comfort, or even success.

Pray that it would simply be Him.

Because when Christ is your joy, your passion, your satisfaction, and your ultimate fulfillment, you'll discover something every faithful missionary eventually learns:

The greatest motivation for ministry is not the mission field. It's the Savior.