It’s October. And for many churches across America it means Missions Conference Month. Being on deputation, we have been enjoying the ability to be involved in a few missions conferences and helping to encourage churches to reach out to their neighbors, communities, and the world with the gospel. But in case you think missionaries are perfect in the area of sharing the gospel, let me tell you that WE need these messages too. We need to be reminded of the great need that’s right in front of us every day as we travel. It’s easy to get our sights set on the long term and the need across the world.
As we visit churches and share our burden for Thailand, I often have the opportunity to minister in song. One of my favorite songs is called “Through The Eyes of Christ”. The lyrics are as follows:
Let me see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Let me hear the voice of the people lost in sin. Let me feel the touch of the hurting reaching out for hope. Let me see the world through the eyes of Christ. From the heart of God the Father to the desperate need of man Came the Son to bring forgiveness from above. Who will take this gospel story to the souls who’ve never heard? Who will love them as the Lord Himself would love? Let me see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Let me hear the voice of the people lost in sin. Let me feel the touch of the hurting reaching out for hope. Let me see the world through the eyes of Christ. Jesus, I do now surrender; make my burden as your own. Help me show the love of Calvary by Your grace. Break my heart for those around me; let the love of Jesus flow. Help me see the need that’s written on each face. Let me see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Let me hear the voice of the people lost in sin. Let me feel the touch of the hurting reaching out for hope. Let me see the world through the eyes of Christ. Let me hear the voice. Let me feel the touch. Let me see the world through the eyes of Christ. Let me see like Christ.Cheryl Reid
Powerful words. Interestingly enough, the music states in the beginning of the song that it’s to be sung “passionately”. This is a plea. It’s a prayer. Lord, give ME your eyes for the lost. Open my eyes to understand their lost condition. To WEEP and get a burden for what waits for them in eternity. Indeed, break my heart.
We are naturally self-centered people. It’s true. I am naturally very selfish. Even when it comes to good things! I mean, my kids, they need me. They need A LOT of me if I’m honest. My family is a huge priority in my life. It’s possible as a mom that I can get so focused on what I need to do for my family that I forget what I need to do for my Heavenly Father. You see, this isn’t just a job that we have to do. It’s not just an obligation that we must fulfill in order to please God. Although, it DOES please Him and He does command us to share the gospel.
But why is it so hard for us? Of course, we can go through the whole process of describing our fears and how to overcome each little obstacle that gets in the way of us speaking to others about Christ. But I think it all comes down to do one thing: We have removed the lens of the gospel and grace from our eyes and have replaced it with a lens of our own goals and needs. How do we view people when we come into contact with them? Do we see them as a soul in need of a Savior? Or as a person who can help meet our needs or help us reach our goals?
When was the last time you felt the touch of a hurting lost person and recognized that YOU had the answer of hope for them. In our own little worlds it’s so easy to see the antics or the raw moods of lost people and take it personally. After all, the world DOES revolve around US right? (I say in jest) Stop in that moment and realize, this is a hurting person who very likely has no hope. And you, my friend, have the very thing they need. Put your own goals aside and give them hope. You might just be their last chance.
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”Matthew 9:36-38
We know how Christ sees the lost. Before you leave the house today, check to see what glasses you have on. When you encounter people, are you viewing them as Christ does, with compassion? Or are you in a hurry to move on with your day? It takes intention and forethought. Do you have the Eyes of Christ?
Serving the Lord in the country of Thailand, Alyssa is the wife of missionary Benjamin Hall and mom to five young kids. Each day seems to bring new adventures as she studies the Thai language, homeschools, and ministers to the many little hands that reach for hers. Of course, music is almost always part of the day, whether by listening, singing, or playing and it now echoes through the voices of little ones. Read Alyssa’s salvation testimony here.
Comments 1
Wonderful article Alyssa! Thanks for the great reminder. “Let me see the world through the eyes of Jesus.”
That song is a great prayer. I’m going to make a copy of that and put it in my purse.
I’m heading off for my day!…..I want to keep those thoughts in my heart and mind.
Love, Mom