As believers in Christ, we are called to a life of contentment, love, giving, and a relentless pursuit of spreading the gospel. Efrain Ruiz, our missionary and my passionate brother-in-law, really embodies this call in his life and ministry. At the potluck, listening to him tell us his stories that were filled with joy, challenges, and unwavering faith was very enjoyable. So many commented that his life inspired them to reflect on their own lives and take action. Hearing others say that led me to write a blog exploring how we can embrace contentment, cultivate love and giving, rise to the challenge of spreading the gospel, and take tangible actions in our daily lives.
FIND JOY IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE
Efrain’s joy in the Lord shines through even in the most challenging circumstances. He shares his experience of waking up early to pray, finding contentment in whatever state he is in, and embracing both the cold river and the hot spa. How beautiful is that? It’s about finding joy in the simple things in every situation we face. “Are you happy being a Christian? Are you happy to be married with who you’re married? Teens, are you happy with having the parents that you have?” he asks. These questions prompt us to reflect on our contentment. The Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11, NIV). Reflect on these questions and consider how you can grow content through faith in Christ.
But contentment doesn’t just happen; it comes through faith. Efrain emphasizes that contentment comes through faith in Christ, who strengthens us. He aligns this with Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” How does your faith in Christ help you find contentment?
Are you happy being a Christian? Are you happy to be married with who you’re married? Teens, are you happy with having the parents that you have?
SERVE OTHERS SELFLESSLY
Contentment lays the foundation for a joyful life, but Efra also teaches us that true fulfillment comes from love and selfless giving. Efra’s love for others is evident in his actions and teachings. He shares a touching story of giving money to a man who looked like he hadn’t eaten breakfast, emphasizing that “the one that loves gives from what we don’t have.” This resonates with 1 John 3:17 (NIV): “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” How does selfless love resonate with you, and how can you embody it in your interactions with others?
And it’s not just about us; it’s about teaching love to the next generation. Efrain talks about teaching his children to love the mission field and serve God, reflecting on Proverbs 22:6 (NIV): “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Reflecting on Efrain’s challenge, what specific actions can you take today to demonstrate love and giving, even when it might be uncomfortable or challenging? With contentment and love as our guiding principles, Efra urges us to take the next step: to rise to the challenge and spread the gospel beyond our comfort zones.
SPREAD THE GOSPEL BEYOND COMFORT ZONES
Efrain began to wrap up his message with a story of how two white men from Texas sold everything and left their commodities to preach the gospel in Guerrero, Mexico. Their sacrifice directly impacted his life and opened his eyes to the gospel, and he now challenges others to “do something for God.” His rallying cry, “While some sleep, go do something!” is a central theme that resonates throughout his teachings as he expresses, “We must think beyond ourselves and our comforts.” He expresses concern about the decline in American missionaries and the risk of losing the gospel, urging us to wake up and think beyond ourselves. This echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19 (NIV): “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” But his concern doesn’t stop there; he aligns with Romans 10:14 (NIV): “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?“ Let those words sit with you, “how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Now ask yourself what barriers or comfort zones prevent us from fully embracing the call to spread the gospel and how to overcome them. How can you “go do something” to make a difference?
While Some Sleep, Go Do Something!
DO SOMETHING!
‘Let’s do something’ for the Lord. We all want to impact the world, but daily living often causes us to lose sight of what really matters. It has been said that ‘The immediate yells louder,’ meaning that urgent matters or things that require immediate attention tend to be more noticeable and demanding than things that are truly important in the long term. Are we allowing ourselves to lose focus on what really matters? This is a Christian call to contentment, love, giving, and spreading the gospel. They are spiritual ideals and tangible and applicable calls to action in our daily lives. His urgent call to action, “While some sleep, go do something!” is not just a slogan but a way of life for us all. Therefore, Let’s take these teachings to heart and rise to the challenge. What will you do today to embrace contentment, cultivate love, and rise to the challenge of spreading the gospel? Please write it down, commit, and take the first step. Let’s go do something for the Lord! You can start here:
- Embrace Contentment: Find joy in the simple things God provides and define contentment in your daily routine.
- Cultivate Love: Serve others selflessly and reflect on how you can embody God’s selfless love in your interactions.
- Rise to the Challenge: Consider what barriers prevent you from fully embracing the call to spread the gospel, and take steps to overcome them.
