Whenever I hear the word “missions”, the first picture that comes to my mind are imageries from the historical movies I watched growing up: swords, javelins, helmets, shields, a formation of soldiers marching in one accord, drums beating the war cry, and the soldiers looking all serious as they march straight for the target.

I think the dictionary gives a simple explanation: “An important assignment given to a person or a group of people…”

Missions in the believer’s context is simply the command Jesus gave in Matt. 28:18.

As simple as this command may appear, it became the basis upon which Paul built his entire life after meeting the Lord. Paul’s purpose and mission on earth were revealed in (Acts 9:15– AMPC)

“But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel; “

This is very similar to the command Jesus gave to us all in Matt. 28:18.

Paul built his entire life on that command from the Lord to take His name to the Gentiles, kings, and the nation of Israel.

Everything he lived for was the Gospel. Paul went to all lengths to ensure the Gospel was not just preached, but also preserved in its entirety and authenticity.

This is why many of his letters corrected and instructed the believer.

Sometimes, we even feel his emotions as he corrects wrong doctrines and practices slipping into the Church.

Everything Paul ever wanted to do was to please the Master, who enlisted him.
He bore the consciousness of a soldier on a mission.

He knew there were sufferings and hardships associated with the mission, yet he was undeterred. He saw it as a part of the things we are called to be…

“Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:3 AMPC

In Acts 21, he was forewarned about the plans of the Jews to imprison him and hand him over to the Gentiles. Those who heard it began to weep and beg him not to go to Jerusalem, but look at what he said:

“…Why are you crying like this and breaking my heart? I’m ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but also to die there for the sake of the Lord, the one named Jesus.”
Acts 21:13 GW
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
Acts 20:22‭-‬24 KJV

All he wanted to do was to keep telling every man, everywhere about Jesus.
He became all things to all men so he could win them.

Paul knew that a crown awaits those who fight the good fight of faith, finish their course, and keep the faith. This is why he did everything to stay focused on the assignment.

“Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others.”
1 Corinthians 9:27 GW

The only thing that could stop him from preaching the gospel was death and even that he said was gain, as he would get to be with the Lord forever. What a life!

Paul sacrificed a lot to be an example of how the believer should carry out the Lord’s mission.

We must carry the consciousness that we are on a battlefield and we cannot afford to be distracted from the mission.
The only thing that should stop us from preaching the gospel is death and even that for us, is gain.

Written By Sis Gbemisola Dawn Fache (Team Watchmen)