Catechism: Training for the MissionSample

Living on mission isn’t something we strive to accomplish on our own or a way we prove our worth to God. It’s not dependent on our talents or training. The only thing that fuels and qualifies us to do missions is our relationship with God.

Before we can do anything for God, we need to learn how to be with him. That’s because our relationship with God is the source of everything we do for him, and our mission flows from that relationship.

Jesus tells us to live attached to God the way branches are attached to a vine. Just like a branch depends on the vine for the water and nutrients that allow it to flourish, we are called to attach ourselves to God through prayer, reading his Word, and spending time with other believers. It’s a life of total dependence on Jesus for strength and wisdom. Only then can we bear good fruit, evidence of God’s work in our lives.

And as we remain in God and allow him to transform our hearts, sharing our faith becomes something we can’t help but do because our faith is shaping and transforming everything about us.

Read Galatians 5:22-25

Reflection Questions:

• Since our culture emphasizes the importance of independence, how does the idea of being dependent on Jesus make you feel? Is it something that comes easily to you, or is it a total mindset shift?
• What kinds of things do you think are spiritual fruit? Why is our relationship with God so necessary to produce good fruit?
• Where do you see evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life? What areas need transformation? Ask God to change and grow you in these areas and continue to look for ways you can stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.