Probe with your left; Drive with your right
At age 13 when just beginning to grow my first whisker, I got into Golden Gloves boxing for a short time. One lesson in boxing theory involved learning to use one’s left for probing and hooking, while using one’s right for crossing AKA power-punches. We were taught that one’s left does a lot to set up one’s right.
Missions is a bit like boxing theory. Just substitute serving and discipling for “left” and “right” punches. Allow me to elaborate. Servanthood sets up evangelism, but true disciples serve. Christ’s final teaching moment with his disciples prior to his arrest and crucifixion involved washing their feet and using that as an analogy, saying they would be blessed if they learned it.
“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (Jn. 13:15)
“Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” (Jn. 13:17)
Obviously, Christ was teaching more than podiatric cleanliness. He was modeling servanthood, using a metaphor. He had previously laid the groundwork for this moment by saying, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve others….” (Mk. 10:45).
So it can be a bit confusing to watch as Christendom separates “doing good” from “sharing Christ.” These disparate emphases are part of what historically separates Conservatives from Liberals. And the split isn’t just something that happens in denominations. It happens in missions as well, as some missionaries pride themselves in meeting the needs of people by providing food, clean water, agricultural education, schools, hospitals, wheelchairs, etc., while other missionaries pride themselves in doing nothing but church planting or face-to-face-evangelism. Curiously, both sides occasionally take shots at one another for “missing the mark” while both are, in fact, boxing with only one fist.
Jesus did indeed teach servanthood ministry, but he didn’t only teach servanthood ministry. He also taught that he is the light of the world, the bread of life, the good shepherd, the way, truth, and life; and that whosoever believes in him shall be saved.
So let’s imagine you as a missionary. How would you integrate these two, clearly biblical emphases in your ministry? Do you believe there’s a need for both servanthood and gospel presentation, or do you lean in one or the other direction?
How are the integrity and credibility of either side of this coin, affected by the presence or absence of the other side? At the extreme, is it appropriate to say, “I don’t care about your malnutrition and filthy water; I just want to tell you about Jesus?” OR, “I don’t care about your eternal salvation, but here’s some food and clean water?”
Things to think about. Both emphases are critically needed on the mission field. So how does a missionary use their “left” to set up their “right?” How does servanthood set up sharing the Gospel? How does one prioritize either emphasis? What happens to the message of Christ if either goes missing?
John S serves in a leadership position with the GlobalGrace home office