“Their agency pays a salary, and pays their rent and provides a vehicle!"

You’ve heard this comment whispered at M conferences or gatherings of global workers, haven’t you? 

Or maybe you’ve heard about the M center in the jungle that’s so big they have their own school, grocery store, print and mechanic shops, and even an English-language church. In fact, some of the people who live there never even learn to speak the local languOr what about that family who built their house on a lake and actually bought a motor boat and water skis? How can that possibly be considered M work? 

If we’re not careful, these “lighthearted comments” and comparisons can become ugly gossip.  

I'm reminded of a letter Paul wrote from his jail cell to believers in Philippi. Apparently they were concerned because other preachers were taking advantage of Paul’s absence, using insincere teaching to stir up trouble for Paul, and to selfishly build their own ministries. But rather than attack these rival preachers, Paul pointed out that, while they had incorrect motives, these men were preaching the truth, and that was all that mattered! 

Could we say the same about the situations I mentioned earlier, especially if we give our friends the benefit of the doubt and believe that they aren’t preaching out of incorrect motives? Rather than confess feelings of jealousy over the family whose agency pays salary, rent, and provides a new vehicle, let’s rejoice that they don't need to spend several years raising funds before they can begin sharing the gospel. Praise the Lord for the fully equipped center whose services allow linguists to focus on translating the Bible for minority languages! That person who doesn't speak the local language very well might be a teacher in the MK school, or perhaps the mechanic who maintains airplanes so they can safely fly translated New Testaments into the villages. 

And that house on the lake with a speedboat and water skis? What a perfect way to engage local teens in a wholesome activity, inviting them into a discipleship program that could change the direction of their lives. Yes, Jesus can even be preached on water skis!