When the Mission Sunday contribution was displayed on the screen at the end of our worship, there was a collective gasp of overwhelming joy, mutual accomplishment and calming excitement. In the tremendous financial stresses under which we are living, expectations about Mission Sunday were uncertain, to say the least. As such, the contribution amount displayed much more than a number of dollars and cents.
Our Mission Sunday contribution displayed a recognition that the world is lost. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). As Christians, we are responsible for preaching “the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). We displayed that we recognize these facts, but it goes deeper than that.
Our Mission Sunday contribution displayed a concern that the world is lost. One can recognize that the world is lost without being concerned that the world is lost. The other familiar verse about sin in the book of Romans affirms, “The wages of sin is death” (6:23). Every person who is lost will spend an eternity in hell. We displayed that we are genuinely concerned about those who are lost in sin, but it goes even deeper than that.
Our Mission Sunday contribution displayed a yearning to take the saving power of the gospel to the lost world. It is possible to recognize that the world is lost and even be genuinely concerned about the eternal ramifications of such but still do nothing about it. The heart of Paul in Romans 10 is reflected in the heart of the incredible congregation at Palm Beach Lakes — “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for [the lost world] is that they might be saved” (10:1). We displayed a true yearning to spread the gospel around the world.
Our Mission Sunday contribution displayed a go attitude. Jesus said, “Go into all the world.” Palm Beach is ready to do it. Whether we do it personally or send someone from PBL or work through our Paraguay team or assist someone half way around the world, this congregation has a “go” attitude.
When the Mission Sunday contribution was displayed on the screen at the end of our worship, it was an obvious display of each member’s love for God, love for our Savior, love for the gospel, love for the lost, love for the church and love for each other. One of the great things about Mission Sunday is that it is a collective effort. No one person makes it happen. We all — collectively and cheerfully — display our love!