“How” is more important than “what”

Yesterday my photo was of people worshiping in Columbia. Today in the photo above people are worshiping in Tanzania. First Baptist Euless partners with E3 on mission trips to Africa and South America. On the trip to Tanzania last year over 3,000 people came to know Jesus as their Savour.

Today is the fourth day of a study posted on my blog for preparing to go on a mission trip. Many mission projects are about providing some kind of construction work, like building a house. Some projects involve ministry at a church, like a Vacation Bible School. It’s easy to look at the kind of activity you do as an end in it self. Moving a family from a house of cardboard to a new cinderblock home or teaching about Jesus are worthy goals and important accomplishments in the name of God.

But let’s look deeper that the “what” of a project and explore the “how.” We know that God cares deeply about our attitudes. It’s about more than just doing something worthwhile. It’s about serving: serving with a right attitude, one that exemplifies Christ.

Jesus was on a mission when He left His home in heaven and came to earth. He had much to accomplish. He healed the sick, helped men catch fish for their livelihood, and taught the lost that He was their Savior. But let’s also look at “HOW” He did these things.

Read Philippians 2:1-8. Then write out the instructions Paul gives us in verses 3-5.

Looking at verses 6-8, trace the steps Jesus took as He left heaven, came to earth, and eventually died for us. Write out the steps He took. Next to each step, write how He did it.

Having an attitude of humility is easier said than done. We, as North Americans, are not known for our humility. North Americans often have more of an attitude of selfishness and even superiority. To look out for and serve others before ourselves is very difficult. It is the opposite of what we are taught by our peers. Being a humble servant does not come naturally.

Whatever the tasks of your mission project, whether digging a ditch, taking care of the sick, or doing mundane chores, your attitude will mean the most. God wants to build the qualities of a humble servant into your character.

Jesus spoke about an attitude of superiority in Mark 10:42-45. What do you those who act superior do? What is the great paradox of servant-hood?

Considering the environment and the work you will do on your trip, what are some practical ways you can be a humble servant and avoid acting superior?

Read the promises of Philippians 1:6 and 2:13. Write out the phrases that give you confidence that you can have a Christ-like attitude.