I recently read a great article by a missionary friend of mine entitled “Unthankfulness”. He put his finger right on the problem that has destroyed many missionaries: a sense of entitlement. It’s very easy to slip into the mindset of thinking you are a hero when you are treated like one, to think you are somehow more special than the men and women of God who are sacrificing to help you carry the Gospel somewhere else.
Someone once said rightly that the test of a servant’s heart is how you react when you are treated like one. I have to say that for the most part in this past year of deputation, I’ve not been put to that test. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not a bad thing, in fact I want to brag on some people for that reason. I think it’s a good problem to have to fight a sense of entitlement because God’s people have been so sweet and loving to us.
I am reminded of Philemon 1:7-
“For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother”
I am certainly no Paul, but I can say that God’s people have been a refreshment to me over and over again this past year: from having us in their houses, cooking us meals, buying us tires, suits, toys for Elena, giving special love offerings… I could go on for a long time listing the things people have done.
So I really just wanted to take a few minutes and say a small thank you to every one of you who have shown us the love of Christ, and been such a refreshment and blessing. We certainly don’t deserve it, we are humbled by it, and pray that God blesses you for your sweet and loving spirit!
