Despite the clear biblical mandates and the profound benefits of living missionally, many Christians struggle to fully embrace and live out the mission of God in their daily lives. Several reasons contribute to this shortfall:

  1. Fear of Stepping Out of Comfort Zone and Fear of Rejection: One significant reason is the fear of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and facing potential rejection or ridicule for sharing their faith. Jesus acknowledges this fear when he tells his disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). This fear often leads to hesitancy in proclaiming the Gospel boldly and living out one’s faith openly, hindering the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
  2. Prioritizing Materialism and Worldly Pursuits: Materialism and the pursuit of worldly success can distract Christians from their mission to advance God’s kingdom. Jesus warns against the lure of material wealth, stating, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). When individuals prioritize material gain over spiritual growth and kingdom advancement, they neglect their call to live missionally.
  3. Spiritual Lukewarmness and Complacency: Spiritual lukewarmness and complacency can also hinder Christians from actively engaging in God’s mission. Jesus rebukes the lukewarm church in Laodicea, saying, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). When believers become complacent in their faith, they lose sight of the urgency and importance of living missionally.
  4. Lack of Discipleship and Spiritual Growth: Without proper discipleship and spiritual growth, Christians may struggle to understand their role in God’s mission or how to effectively live it out. Hebrews 5:12-13 highlights the importance of spiritual maturity, stating, “You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.” When believers remain spiritual infants due to a lack of discipleship, they may fail to grasp the significance of living missionally.
  5. Busyness and Distractions: Busyness and distractions in modern life can divert Christians’ attention away from their mission. Jesus warns against the cares of this world, saying, “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). When Christians become consumed by the busyness of life, they neglect the call to prioritize God’s mission above all else.
  6. Lack of Unity and Division within the Church: Division within the church can hinder Christians from effectively living out the mission of God. Jesus prays for unity among believers, stating, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23). When Christians are divided, their witness to the world is compromised, hindering their collective ability to fulfill the Great Commission.
  7. Misinterpretation of the Mission of God: Misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the mission of God can also prevent Christians from living missionally. Some may wrongly believe that mission is solely the responsibility of missionaries or clergy, rather than understanding it as the duty of every believer. Ephesians 4:11-12 clarifies that church leaders are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry, indicating that mission is not exclusive to a select few. When Christians misunderstand their role in God’s mission, they fail to live out their calling to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16).

In addressing these barriers and shortcomings, Christians can better align their lives with God’s mission, actively participating in the redemptive work He is accomplishing in the world. Through prayer, discipleship, and a renewed focus on the teachings of Jesus, believers can overcome these obstacles and fully embrace the call to live missionally in every aspect of their lives.