Where Is My Mission Field?
The Lord gave the parable of the Good Samaritan in answer to the lawyer who asked the question, "And who is my neighbor?" That lawyer had the ulterior motive of trying to justify himself when it came to loving God and his neighbor in the proper way. However, as you contemplate this same parable and this lawyer's question, you should recognize a true challenge of missions. Ask yourself, "Where is my mission field?" knowing that the Lord will give you the same answer that He gave to the lawyer. Please take a few moments to ask yourself the following questions, not for justification, but rather to remind and encourage you to be a mission-minded neighbor.
Who are those fallen by the wayside?
Be it in your own subdivision, apartment complex, workplace, marketplace, recreational facility, or school, you come in contact with those who are entrapped by sin and on their way to Hell. These people are spiritually just as hopeless as the man beaten by thieves and left for dead. Take a moment to look beyond the façade of their bright smile, happy demeanor, and laughter to see their troubled hears. People always try to put on a good front to those around them, but inwardly turmoil fills their heart because the guilt of sin condemns them. Whatever, whoever, and wherever you are, your will be sure to meet those who are "dead in their trespasses and sins."
Who are those passing on the other side?
Those who ignore the spiritual plight of people ravaged by sin are undoubtedly the ones who have no gospel message to give to those in need. Such is the case with so-called professing Christendom. Just as the priest and the Levite passed by on the other side, those who loudly proclaim that they love people actually do nothing to show the mercy and compassion of God because they themselves know nothing of forgiveness of sin and salvation by faith. Furthermore, how cruel it is to construct elaborate buildings, offer a variety of activities, and put on a program every Sunday, but offer nothing of the Biblical message of Christ. Many people obviously become disillusioned with religious people as they go on their way to church but have nothing but a form of godliness with no power.
Who are those who show compassion to the helpless sinner?
The Good Samaritan must have personally known something of the compassion of God. Even so, knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior gives you firsthand knowledge of what it means to be a sinner saved by the grace of God. It is good to just remind yourself of what it was like when you were as that man lying by the wayside with no hope of redemption. How wonderful it was that someone saw you, had compassion, and shared the Gospel with you. Upon repentance of sins and believing in Christ, you knew for the first time the joy of salvation. Now within your hear, there is that prompting of the Holy Spirit to do something to reach those who might slip out into eternity and the first of hell before the night comes again.
Here the underlying spiritual principle is clear: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Take what you already know about salvation in Jesus Christ, and be the missionary that God wants you to be to that neighboring sinner and reach him with the gospel. The greatest act of love that you can show is to tell him of Christ and what He did to save them. Truly, you can show God's mercy to those in need just as someone showed you the love of God and told you how to be saved. Who then is the good neighbor? Who is the faithful missionary? Obviously, it is that one who shows mercy on others. Take this admonition to hear, "Go, and do thou likewise," and be a missionary each and every day.