My Mission Field (2 Timothy 1:5)

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 has resonated in my ears since I first read it. In halting steps, I have answered this command of my Lord, Jesus Christ. But more often than not, I hesitate, stumble, or simply bypass opportunities to share my faith. It is an area that I struggle and I continue to seek God’s strength and guidance. And amidst these struggles, I often ignore the most important mission field that God has placed me in...my family.

Perhaps this is where each member of a family should also seek God’s grace and mercy. In addition to living a life as an ambassador of Jesus Christ, witnessing to my co-workers, strangers I meet, and participating in missionary outings, I need to witness to my own family members.

I need to serve them, in the same manner I would serve a stranger who is hungry and thirsty. And this setting, this mission field, is probably the most challenging. My family has seen me at my best, and my worst. They can easily remember the times I have failed them or have not lived up to my role as father or husband in the manner that God commands.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

2 Timothy 1: 5 (ESV)

I need to be encouraged by the example of Timothy’s family. Timothy was a third generation Christian believer and the Apostle Paul commended the examples of his grandmother and mother in passing on a tradition of sincere faith to him. It is a sobering reminder to me that I need to persist in seeking God’s guidance and strength, to let my behavior and faith be a reminder of Jesus Christ within me, and not a sinful and fallen father and husband. In turn, each family member should also treat their family as their mission field and seek to extend grace to one another when failure occurs.

The mission field begins in the family.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.