“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word…” -Acts 8:4

Have you ever thought about why you are where you are? Why you were born where you were, why you made the choices you made and ended up here? You may be proud of where you are, or you may regret some of the choices you have made to get you here, but one thing is undeniable…God has you where you are for a reason, and He has a plan to use you exactly where you have been “scattered.” The early church was fleeing persecution, and yet they preached the Word wherever they found themselves.

I want to speak specifically to families, but these truths really apply to anyone. Is your family just existing, just getting by, or are you focused on the mission of God in the world? I am married, and I have two young children at home, so I get the complications, the stress, the plain, weariness that raising a family can bring, but we cannot lose sight of what God is doing in the world and how we are called to be a part of it. God is about the business of winning a people, from all people’s for His glory and worship. He is about the business of winning a people here in our community, people you know, have relationships with, work and play with. The question is…will you be a part of what God is doing here?

More and more children grow up in church, and then leave as fast as they possibly can. Much ink has been spilled over why, and the truth is, there is no one reason. But if I had to make a bet, I would wager that one of the major reasons is because kids don’t grow up with parents who are excited about God and what He is doing in their lives and in the world around them. It’s time for families to get excited about getting on mission for God in our community and world.

Some Practical Suggestions:

* Make personal Bible study, regular family Bible study and prayer, and church involvement a priority for your family, not just an obligation.
* Be intentional about finding ways to love and build relationships with people who don’t know Jesus and don’t go to church. Share Jesus with them, invite them.
* Wherever you are “scattered” in a restaurant, at work, at the ball field, at the beauty salon, or at your neighbor’s house, be loving and Gospel/Mission focused.
* Make sure your children know that they can love and serve Christ now, then show them how with your lifestyle.

May God bless you as you pursue His mission in His world today.

Caleb Land is the director of the Gilmer Christian Learning Center in Ellijay, GA. You can find out more about the CLC at www.gilmerclc.org.