If you've been a missionary long you will have most likely encountered the "Someone else syndrome." If not, you will. Over the years I've met a lot of well meaning Christian people who are gung-ho about world evangelism, enthusiastic about going to the ends of the earth, sacrificial about reaching the world, as long as it's done by someone else. To my ears they ascribe to mission evangelism as a concept and laud it's importance in theory. "Yes, the church must be engaged in global missions because Jesus commanded it" I hear them say. But when asked who should go? "Someone else."

Jesus said in Luke 9:23 "If anyone would come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." Isn't it ironic that later in the same chapter Jesus called three individuals to follow him and each one had an excuse?

Before you pull out your pitchfork on me, let me state clearly that there are legitimate reasons for not pursuing foreign service and no one should feel guilty for not going overseas. Yet, would you agree that if everyone subscribed to the "someone else syndrome" then no one would hear the message of salvation?

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For some of you this is a personal matter. You know God has asked you to go or called you to give yet you're making excuses wondering whether someone else can go do it instead. Others of you are struggling because your family members or friends are doubting your decision and hoping that someone else will go or give in your place. Maybe it's your job or bank account holding you back; maybe some illness or disability that seemingly disqualifies you; maybe it's the thought of grand kids or grandparents living far away; maybe the possibility of civil unrest or government oppression. Or maybe deep down you just don't care. These are all hints of the "someone else syndrome" and the only way to immunize it is to fight it.

But how?

There is only one antidote: The Gospel. Understanding that Jesus paid your debt and gifted you for something amazing; knowing that you're saved by grace through faith, not by anything you've done but what he has done; realizing that you owe God your very breath, is sufficient to fight this off.

So how do you know if you're sick with the syndrome? One simple question in light of the Gospel will do...

Is there anything, anything God can't ask of you?

Tags: Missionary Life, Support