To live on mission means embracing the calling to reflect Jesus in our daily lives and actively participate in His kingdom work. But let’s be honest: most of us have domesticated this calling into something comfortable, safe, and ultimately forgettable. Jesus didn’t live a comfortable life. He touched lepers, confronted religious leaders, ate with sinners, and died on a cross. If we’re going to follow His example, we need to stop treating “mission” like a hobby and start living like it’s the reason we’re still breathing.
RELATED: “Missions” Rarely Fit Our Schedule
10 Ways to Live on Mission Daily
1. Develop a Heart for People—Even the Ones You’d Rather Avoid
Jesus consistently showed love and compassion to those around Him, especially the people the religious establishment wrote off. Tax collectors. Prostitutes. The ritually unclean. To live on mission starts with seeing people through His eyes—and that means the coworker who grates on your nerves, the neighbor whose politics make your blood boil, the family member who hurt you deeply.
This isn’t about mustering up warm feelings. It’s about listening when you’d rather walk away, caring when it’s inconvenient, and meeting practical needs when nobody’s watching. When we develop a heart for people—all people—we reflect Christ’s scandalous, boundary-breaking love. And that opens doors we didn’t even know existed.
2. Be Intentional in Your Daily Interactions—Or Admit You’re Sleepwalking
Living on mission does not always require traveling to distant places; it starts right where you are. The question is: are you actually there? Or are you scrolling through your phone in the grocery store checkout line, avoiding eye contact with the cashier who just might need to know someone sees her?
Whether at work, school, or within our communities, we can be intentional about sharing God’s love. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: small acts of kindness only matter if they cost you something. Your time. Your comfort. Your reputation. Words of encouragement are great—but are you willing to have the awkward conversation? To ask the personal question? To sit in someone’s pain instead of offering a cliché and moving on?
Mission happens when you stop treating people like NPCs in your life story and start recognizing them as the reason you’re in the story at all.
3. Share the Gospel Boldly—Even When Your Voice Shakes
Jesus called His followers to spread the Good News (Matthew 28:19-20). Notice He didn’t say “if you feel comfortable” or “when the timing is perfect.” He said go.
We’ve gotten really good at talking about the Gospel without actually sharing it. We post Bible verses on social media. We wear Christian t-shirts. We assume our “lifestyle” is doing the talking. But when was the last time you actually opened your mouth and told someone—out loud, with words—that Jesus loves them, that He died for them, that He offers them hope?
Yes, it’s terrifying. Yes, you might stumble over your words. Yes, they might reject you. But here’s what’s more terrifying: standing before God one day and realizing you were too afraid to tell people the one thing that could have saved them.
Share your faith in natural and authentic ways—but actually share it. Invite someone to church and don’t take “maybe next time” as a permanent no. Tell your story. Ask people what they believe about God and actually listen to the answer. Trust God’s guidance and be bold in proclaiming His truth, even if your hands are trembling the whole time.
