Dear MISSIONARY,
If there is one thing I tell all our students at Lightbearers Bible & Missions Training Centre, especially the students in MISSIONS & EVANGELISM DEPARTMENT, it is to plead with them NEVER TO INFLATE REPORTS TO IMPRESS PARTNERS OR ANYONE AT ALL.
I remember I still mentioned it this during one of our DAILY PRAYERS.
The truth is that, when it comes to MISSIONS, there is often the pressure to SHOW RESULTS and it is quite understandable, especially in these days of social media and whatnot.
Sometimes people exaggerate attendance, decisions for Christ, or even the impact of a mission outreach just so as to be able to make partners feel ENCOURAGED and continue to GIVE.
Unfortunately, what many don’t realize is that when numbers are inflated, the real issue is no longer about partners it is your relationship with God that is being affected.
Partners may be impressed and that might spur them to even GIVE MORE.
But you as the SERVANT OF GOD who is exaggerating, hope you are aware that you are gradually destroying your INTEGRITY before the LORD?
We must know that MINISTRY IS BUILT ON TRUST WITH GOD FIRST because He is the SENDER and He is the REWARDER.
If you cannot be truthful about small reports, how can He trust you with greater assignments, bigger influence, and more responsibility in the Kingdom?
This is why some people remain where they are and they keep wondering why the LORD is not promoting them – the PRICE OF FAITHFULNESS must be paid.
We must not sacrifice our WALK WITH GOD on the altar of IMPRESSING PEOPLE.
If 7 people attended the crusade in the village, say 7. Don’t say the whole village was on the crusade ground.
If 2 people gave their lives to Christ, say 2. Don’t inflate it to 200 so people can applaud you as the next BIG APOSTLE.
If the mission trip was small and difficult, say it exactly the way it is.
Because when we exaggerate, it is simply LYING, and a servant of Christ cannot represent the GOD OF TRUTH while living in falsehood.
God is righteous and true and those who stand to speak for Him must value truth in the secret place.
As missionaries, we must know that GOD SEES THE REAL NUMBERS, HE WEIGHS THE HONESTY OF OUR REPORTS and only TRUSTS GREATER ASSIGNMENTS TO THOSE HE CAN TRUST WITH TRUTH.
It is better to send a report that looks small but honest than to send one that looks great but false. Because in the end, the most important question will not be, “Were people impressed?” The real question will be “Did you remain truthful before the GOD you represent?”
Grace to you!
