Just before ascending into Heaven, the Lord Jesus charged His disciples to take the Gospel across every cultural and geographical boundary unto every people group. There are several motives for us to be involved in missions, yet I think there is a primary reason.
Command
We are motivated because God commanded us. The fact that God said go should motivate every believer. How do we who want to please the Lord get around, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” This charge is a mandate from our Monarch, a command from our Commander, an edict from the Emperor. It is an order to be obeyed and a duty to be done. As soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ we can do nothing less than take the Gospel to the world. God commanded us; this is a motivation for missions.
Everlasting Fire
We are motivated because there is everlasting fire. God created Hell for the Devil and his angels; nevertheless, the justice of God demands that sinners are doomed to the same punishment. For thousands of years the rich man and millions like him have been screaming, “I am tormented in this flame!” This thought will motivate the coolest heart among us if it is meditated upon long enough. Without a doubt, Hell moves us to compassion: “And of some have compassion, making a difference.” There is a Hell; this is a motivation for missions.
Rewards
We are motivated by rewards. According to Scriptures those who are faithful in missions are promised crowns, power, and position. Who hasn’t envisioned giving their crown back to the Savior? Who hasn’t wondered what position will be theirs during the Millennial Kingdom and throughout eternity. The Lord indeed promises rewards to those who are faithful; rewards are a motivation for missions.
Grace
We are motivated because of God’s grace. God saves sinners. We deserve damnation. We deserve alienation and abandonment. Yet, in spite of us, God became a man in order to save you and me. How can recipients of such grace enjoy the blessings and benefits of this grace without feeling compelled to share what they have with those who have no Bible, who have no church, who have no Savior, who have no hope. God’s grace reached me and it reached you; this is a motivation for missions.
Christ is Worthy
We are motivated because Jesus is worthy. Without a doubt this is the primary reason. Jesus is worthy to have His name published throughout the world. He is worthy to have His salvation clearly offered to all people! He is worthy because He is Sovereign, because He is Creator, because He is holy, because He is righteous, because He is love, because He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and immutable. Jesus is altogether lovely, the fairest of the fair, the Bright and Morning Star! No wonder Hudson Taylor said, “If I had 1,000 lives I’d give them all to China.” If for no other reason, we do missions because He is worthy!
’Not called!’ did you say?
‘Not heard the call,’ I think you should say!
Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father’s house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there. Then look Christ in the face, whose mercy you have professed to obey, and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to the world.
— General William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army