Less of me

As the world race mission gets closer and with training camp only a few days away, thoughts of what is coming are consistently on my mind, and understandably so. Traveling around the world to serve others and share the gospel for nine months is a little more exciting (and nerve wracking) than my normal life in Lubbock Texas.

In the past eight months since I decided to join this team and organization, I’ve received a lot of questions, most of which remain very surface level. Some of these questions are along these lines: “Are you ready?”, “Are you scared?”, “What kind of things will you be doing once you get there?”. The most common question by far is “when do you leave for your mission again?”. As I’m sure most of the other racers can attest, this question gets asked daily. This isn’t a jab at anyone. I don’t expect everyone to keep up with the specifics of the world race, nor do I mind talking about it. It is a completely innocent question, but the wording has had me thinking lately. 

Am I looking at this as MY mission, or am I looking at it as Kingdom work focused on serving and loving other people? Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that the world race is an amazing place to grow personally and I am greatly looking forward to seeing how the Spirit works in my team and I, but the Lord is showing me that He’s got much bigger plans than just personal growth. God has been showing me that this amazing opportunity is not about how much I can gain, but rather, how much I can give. After all, that is the example that Christ set, and I’m praying that my heart will be open to follow His example to the best of my ability.

It is natural for us to think about ourselves first because selfish desire is intertwined with the sin nature that we are all born with. Not only this, but we live in a world that is overwhelmingly focused on self. The world preaches for us to do whatever makes us happy, whatever is easy, and whatever can elevate our ”worth” or status. Success is measured through material comparison and value is determined by the loudest opinions. In our world, and particularly in our country, we are encouraged to only focus on the needs of others when it doesn’t interfere with our own personal pursuits. A big bank account is seen as more valuable than a big heart.

The life and ministry of Jesus Christ preached a completely opposite message. Jesus is calling us to stray from the path set before us by the world and our flesh and to embrace the role of a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). Jesus is calling for us to value others more than ourselves (Philippians 2:3) and to seek their good over our own (1 Corinthians 10:24). 

Much like today, the culture that Jesus lived in determined value by societal ranking that was based on qualifications and material wealth. Jesus came in and flipped this prideful, self-centered idea on it’s head. Jesus taught that in His Kingdom, to serve is to be great and that even God Himself in human flesh sought to serve other people (Mark 10:44-45). Imagine how different our cities and states would be if all of the members of the Church valued serving others over the elevation of self.

I want to emphasize that when it comes to valuing self over service, I am as guilty as anyone. I am prideful and selfish and too often I let these qualities determine my thoughts and actions. In regards to this upcoming mission, I have spent more time focused on the possibility of personal growth and experience than I have the opportunity to serve others around me . God has been showing me that in order to know Him more, my goals need to be focused less on me.

I am beyond thankful for all of the support and prayers. I’ve been amazed as I’ve watched God move through this season. I’d ask that you please continue to pray for my team and I as we go to training camp and as we begin this mission in a few short months. Please pray that we would have open hands and open hearts, ready to listen to the guidance of the Father and to serve in great ways. Thank you!

– Carter