What Is the Real Mission of the Church?

In The Warrior Ethos by Stephen Pressfield the author asks this question, “Why do young men and women in a free society enlist in the military? The act seems to defy common sense. Why volunteer for low pay, lame haircuts, and a chance to be killed – particularly in a society that rewards such behavior with little of more substance than a ‘Thank you for your service’ or a yellow ribbon on a bumper sticker?’”

Fortunately he offers us his insight. As someone who served in the Marine Corps, he has some insight into the issue. “We want to be part of something greater than ourselves, something we can be proud of. And we want to come out of the process as different (and better) people than we were when we went in. . .We want to grow up.”

He puts it best in what he calls The Warrior Ethos.

• I will always place the mission first. 
• I will never accept defeat.
• I will never quit.
• I will never forsake a fallen comrade.

What if we adopted that attitude for the church? What if we really believed that we were a part of something greater? What if we believed that engaging in the mission of the church and putting it ALWAYS first would, indeed, make us different and better people? What if we reached out to all people, not just the ones like us, who believe like us, look like us, talk like us, and probably vote like us.

What if we took the words of Paul as true and acted upon his claim, If Christ is for us, who can stand against us?[1]

What if every human being was a comrade, and we refused to leave behind those who have stumbled or fallen? What if our arms were always wide open in forgiveness and forbearance? What if we didn't give up when the Gospel became difficult? What if we gave until we were poured out, as Christ was poured out for us? I know, it is a VERY scary thought. However, the world indeed would know our faith by our love for our Savior and one another!

Pastor Craig

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[1] Romans 8:31-32