“Mountainview exists to Glorify God, Grow in Jesus, and Go into the World.”
This is the third installment of how our Mountainview mission breaks down. It’s about the Go.
From the very beginning, Jesus expected his followers to be goers. He invited them to “come, follow me” — an invitation that required action. Once they accepted that invitation, life with Jesus was a never-ending adventure.
In his most famous sermon, Jesus describes what he expects from his followers:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:13-16
As salt, we are called to both preserve and penetrate the lives of those around us. A cul-de-sac should be friendlier and more compassionate if a Christ-follower lives on it. Office conversations ought to be less bitter and biting when a Christ-follower is present. Salt, as an element of preservation or penetration, is of no use unless it comes into contact with something else.
Next, Jesus uses the analogy of light.
- You don’t hide your light.
- You put your lamp on a stand, in a visible place.
- Your lamp is to give light to everyone in the room.
- Your light is to shine before others in order that God may be glorified.
When you think of what it means to “go into the world,” light is a great metaphor for the impact the church is to have in its community. Darkness is dispelled by the presence of light. Light gives direction, provides security. People are drawn to the light — even if it blinds them at times.
We are not being true to the mission of Jesus if we are not actively engaged in our community.
If we are growing, we will be going. Not all will be missionary, but all will be on mission.
As a church, it is our responsibility to train you to make a difference at home and in the work place. It is our privilege to inspire you to action. We make no apologies for not letting you get too settled in your faith, but complacency might be just around the corner.
It’s also why we emphasize starting new churches and campuses — because we can’t go everywhere ourselves. It’s why help send missionaries to both foreign lands and places like Castle Rock.
Go.
Such a short word with the potential to change eternity.