The Missionary
Becoming Ineffective

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 2:20-22

Key Verse: Matthew 5:13b

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 by men.

Jesus speaks to the issue of a missionary going astray.  Is it possible for a missionary to get sidetracked and become ineffective?  Yes, Jesus says it is: “But if the salt loses its saltiness…”  Jesus would never have carried the illustration of salt this far if he didn’t want to make a point.  He understood that we have free moral choice.  We can make poor choices that make us worthless in the kingdom.  As Jesus bluntly puts it: “…be thrown out and trampled by men.”

            When Jesus used His second illustration of “light” once again, He takes it to this same place: “neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl…”  Jesus understood that was a choice that some of His followers might make.  Missionaries are to be salt and light but are not forced into service.  We must choose every day what kind of followers we are going to be: effective or ineffective!

            You may come to a situation today that will force you to choose between being “salt and light,” and putting a bowl over your light.  If we continually put a bowl over our light, we will lose our saltiness and become totally useless to God and His kingdom.  Pray with me that we will be courageous in these situations and choose to be effective missionaries for Him.

Father, I don’t have the strength, courage or wisdom to accomplish the mission.  I need you!  Please help me today to be effective.  In Jesus’ name, amen.