Barcelona is a beautiful city.

Perhaps, beauty is under selling it. It‘s stunning. It’s breathtaking. I’ve even described it as dreamy. To a tourist this is fantastic…but I’m not a tourist. I must confess, the dreaminess of Barcelona can make it extremely challenging to remember I’m here to live life on mission.

It may be wise to paint a picture of my days to help you understand.

Most of you know I’m here to teach English and help with curriculum development. The organization I support is Liderazgo en Acción: a faith based nonprofit organization with a heart to serve the community. In our working space (a building called the Co-Lab) we have 5 or 6 different ministries represented who are supported by believers and churches all over the world. Everyone here is a part of some evangelical ministry, living life on mission for the sake of the gospel.

I am here to serve these wonderful people. When I go to “work” (simply by working in ministry) I am on mission. This is true, but it is not the FULLNESS of what ON MISSION means. Without an intentional heart posture of seeking to see the gospel proclaimed far and wide to believer and unbeliever, I can miss so much.

In my morning scripture time, I have been walking through Romans. This scripture jumped out at me yesterday:

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. - Romans 12:11

Have I been diligent in my zeal?
Have I leaned on the Holy Spirit to guide every step?

Truthfully, there is a temptation to be distracted with this beautiful city. Balance is important! Fun is not unholy! Still…have I forgotten my main purpose of being here? What good are beautiful structures and scenery if they are filled with the lost? How incredibly tragic that their hearts can’t see that all of this surrounding beauty points to the most delightful Creator who sustains all of its existence.

It is not enough for me to show up and serve the missionaries. I must have the heart posture to join them in this mission for the kingdom. I must be outwardly focused - not for Instagram-worthy pictures but for hearts not yet touched by the saving name of Jesus.

Has your heart been on mission?
Are you looking for the lost?
Are your feet taking you to join God where He is at work?

If not, I pray you start with prayer just as I am, and then get out there and do it. We will make mistakes, we will stumble through our gospel presentations, and we will feel fearful and foolish. Yet, God will be glorified in the heart posture of being willing to try.

Heavenly Father I pray for this sweet church of mine. I pray you would spur us on to be diligent in our zeal and fervent in your Spirit for the sake of growing your kingdom. I pray Lord that you would show us ways we can serve you - with our own families, with friends, strangers, coworkers and all the more. May we remember the time in our lives when you used someone to share with us the most beautiful news ever given: that you took the punishment of our sins and by grace through faith, you redeemed our broken relationship with the Father and gave us a new beginning.. I pray we would become that someone, to those who still need to hear your good news. Let all that we do be for your glory, your honor, and your praise alone.

In Jesus name I pray, amen.