Mere Missions

200 • M ere M issions : M oving F orward to M ultiply

For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Rom. 8.24-25). This is why hope is one of the three theological virtues that Paul mentions to the Corinthian Church (1 Cor. 13.13). Just like any virtue, it is a behavior that we can work at. It becomes an act of the will on our part. It is not enough just to maintain this virtue. We can and must grow stronger, purer, and clearer in our hope. This is not to escape the world. The more we think and hope of the world to come, the more engaged we become in this world. The old phrase, “You’re so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good” is the subtle lie of the enemy. The kingdom phrase is “You’re so heavenly minded that you are earthly good.” The Apostle Paul gives a clear word on this to the Saints in Colossae, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col. 3.1-4). No matter what comes through the doors of life, we must stand, not shrink back, and move forward in our hope. The rightful King will return. He who promised this cannot lie. He is Lord. We need to endure with patience the battle and not shrink back but move forward in missions. The early Church was not aware of this escapist teaching. Instead, it taught the biblical doctrine of Christ’s Lordship, “Ruler of the kings of the earth.” They saw clearly what was written on His robe and on His thigh, “For He has this name written, ‘King of kings’ and ‘Lord of lords.’ ” It was this that guaranteed their persecution, torture, and death at the hands of the State. And it was also this that guaranteed their ultimate victory. Because Jesus is universal Lord, all opposition to His rule is doomed to failure, and will be crushed. Because Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, Christians are assured of two things: warfare