Five Lies Workers Believe

And a little hope for those who believe them 

My core belief is that most cross-culture workers are really doing their best to honor God by serving the people they have been called to. The work is messy, slow, hard, rarely looks the way you want it to, and has little applause. There can be tensions between what is happening on the ground and what people back home expect to be happening on the ground.

Here are some lies workers can believe about themeless, their identity, and their work. These lies can lead to discouragement, burnout, and most of all will take our eyes off of Jesus and put them on ourselves or our work.

1. The Ends Justifies The Means 

Even if my personal life is not being taken care of (e.g., I’m angry all the time, I don’t have a prayer life anymore., my devos is a chore, I have crazy mood swings, I’m lazy, I’m a workaholic, I have no joy), it doesn’t matter as long as I’m getting my ministry stuff done.

The lie here is that the ends justify the means. As long as I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing in ministry, it doesn’t matter if I’m neglectful in other areas. Sometimes we can neglect hard things, like spending time with family, being on our knees in prayer, and taking care of our health preciously because we are getting stuff done in our ministries. Forget about the end goal; how are you doing in the small things of life?

2. My Ministry is my Identity 

Because my identity is over-wrapped up in me being a missionary, if for some reason I have to leave the field or am struggling spiritually, I lose the core sense of who I am. I can’t be honest with others about marriage issues, burnout, lack of vision, or anything else that might make me look like a “bad” missionary. My identity is so tightly connected to my ministry that I struggle to know who I am apart from it.

The lie here is that you are what you do. You’re not. Missions is a calling and, for many people, a passion, but far more than being a missionary, you are a Christian. Christians are weak, messed up, normal people in desperate need of God’s grace every day. And God’s perfect love for you is in no way connected to your ministry. He loves you. Own that as your identity.

3. Right Strategy equals Desired Results 

If I just have the right Strategy in place, I am guaranteed the fruit I want. If I’m not getting the desired fruit, it must be because I’m doing something wrong.

The lie here is that you can create outcomes by having the right Strategy. Missions is not selling iPhones or Coca-Cola products. We are in Kingdom work, and only God himself can create outcomes. The best Strategy in the world does not guarantee desired results. It’s God’s kingdom, not yours. It’s Christ shed blood, not yours. Christ will build his church in his timing and the manner he sees fit. Don’t over-focus on results.

4. I Should Have No Needs 

I feel guilty when I need rest from my ministry, local culture, and local friends. The locals don’t need rest from these things, and I shouldn’t either. My success is wrapped up in becoming as much like them as I can. Also, missions is hard work; it’s not supposed to be easy. I shouldn’t need a break. I shouldn’t take vacations, spend money on leisure, or spend too much time with foreigners.

The lie here is that you are supposed to be a local, and all your needs should be the same as theirs. You are not a local, and you never will be. It’s ok to be different than they are and have different needs than they do. Sometimes just getting a little familiar comfort will help you serve on the field much longer and be more healthy and happy doing it.

5. Instagram Missions 

I find it hard to celebrate other people’s successes and have started to see other workers as competitors. I see everyone else’s success, and it makes me depressed. Instead of being motivated by what God is doing I’m discouraged and wonder why God isn’t using me like He’s using them.

The lie here is that other peoples’ ministry is awesome, and yours is not. Remember that no one’s minister is as impressive as it sounds. We all highlight the best parts, but the majority of everyone’s ministry is just a lot of hard work and slow gains. Don’t compare what you are doing to what others are doing. Learn to celebrate others’ success, remembering that we are all on the same team.

You may experience some or all of these things. I know I do and have. I made this list based on what I have dealt with in my own life. And trust me, my list is far longer than just five things.

In the Great Commission, Jesus reminds us that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to HIM, and then he comforts us with the promise that HE will be with us. Our Lord Jesus also comforts us with the promise and reminder that HE will build his church. It’s not our job. Our job is faithful obedience in the messy, slow, hard, underwhelming, and praise-less work of declaring the Gospel to those who have not heard it. The results are all in God’s hands. Let that truth comfort you as you keep your eyes on the Author and Finisher of the mission.