Sent With Purpose: A 14-Day Devotional to Prepare for Short-Term Mission Sample

As you prepare to embark on your short-term mission trip, reflect on Psalm 133:1 (NIV):

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"

This verse speaks to the importance of unity within the body of Christ, especially as you embark on a mission to share the Gospel and serve others.

How Good and Pleasant It Is

Not everything that is good is pleasant, and not everything that is pleasant is good. But unity among God’s people, according to the psalmist here, is such a remarkable blessing because it is both good and pleasant—both to a high degree.

Unity is a precious gift from God, and it is especially vital during kingdom work. When individuals come together with a common purpose and a heart for serving others in Jesus' name, something beautiful and powerful happens.

Unity isn't about everyone being the same or thinking alike; it's about people with diverse gifts, backgrounds, and perspectives coming together under the banner of Christ's love. As you work alongside your fellow teammates, don’t just cherish but also work to foster the goodness and pleasantness of this unity, for it is a reflection of God's heart.

Living Together in Unity

Unity is not just a passive state; it's an active choice and a way of living. On your mission trip, you will encounter fellow believers with different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. Or, you may encounter people who are not fellow believers, and the differences may feel even greater when they hit a spiritual level. Embrace these differences, recognizing that they are opportunities for you to learn, grow, and experience the richness of God's creation and kingdom.

Living together in unity means extending grace, showing love, and fostering an environment of harmony. As you serve alongside your fellow teammates and collaborate with the local body of believers, remember that your unity is a powerful testimony to the transformative work of Christ.

Unity in the Mission

Your mission trip is not just about the tasks you will accomplish or the places you will visit; it's about advancing the kingdom of God. Unity among believers is a vital component of fulfilling the Great Commission. When God's people are united, the impact of their ministry is amplified, and Christ is magnified.

As you prepare to go into the nations and share the Good News of the gospel, remember that your unity is a tangible expression of the love and unity within the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a living example of Christ's prayer for His disciples in John 17:21: "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you."

A Prayer for Unity

As you prepare for your mission trip, take a moment to pray for unity among your team and with the local believers you will encounter. Ask God to fill your hearts with His love, patience, and a spirit of unity. When you live and serve in unity, you become a powerful vessel for God's work, and His presence is palpable in your midst. Begin to pray for this now.