Shadow Mission

Yesterday, I mentioned John Ortberg's idea that anyone can have a "shadow mission." That is, any mission other than to live for God's glory is a "shadow mission." Jesus was tempted to skip the cross and get all the kingdoms of the world by simply bowing down and worshipping Satan. Esther was tempted to remain quiet and comfortable while her people faced execution. Adam and Eve were tempted to be "like God" by eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Jonah was tempted to run away from giving God's message to the enemy Ninevites. Pilate was tempted to abdicate responsibility by washing his hands and handing Jesus over to the mob. For some, the shadow mission is self-idolatry. For others, the shadow-mission is a cultural form of Christianity that has nothing to do with transformation and aims at producing nice people that are impressed with each other but make no impact on the world. The shadow mission can be in defining Christianity as all about prosperity and comfort and health. Or, it may be in keeping God at a distance and not entering into a daily relationship of submission to Him and delighting in the glory of God.

All of this begs us to ask a question: "Do I have a shadow mission?"