Many of us have crossed borders, but perhaps never stopped to reflect on what they truly mean. I am writing this blog from the Myanmar/Thailand border, where an arbitrary line once scratched in the dirt by government officials now marks the divide between vastly different realities. This border is particularly significant for the Karen people, who found themselves split between becoming Thai or Myanmar nationals. On one side, there is relative stability and opportunity; on the other, justice gives way to injustice, freedom of speech to censorship, and security to persecution.
Borders like these are not just physical; they exist in how we live our lives. We draw lines in the dirt of our daily routines, dividing time, spaces, activities, and roles. One divide we have created as Christians is the line between “missionary” and “non-missionary.” This separation diminishes the truth that mission is not a role reserved for a select few “professionals”, but it is the identity of every believer in Christ.
Mission as Our Identity
Jesus’ final command to His disciples was clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV). The Great Commission is not optional, nor is it reserved for a special group. It is the right and responsibility of every follower of Christ.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” Our mission is not confined to certain roles, locations, or seasons of life. It is woven into our very identity as Christians.
When we move cross-culturally, whether for work, study, or ministry, new challenges and opportunities arise. These moments allow us to share the gospel with people who may have never encountered a believer. In these contexts, mission is not limited to preaching from a pulpit; it is lived out in relationships, in workplaces, and in the daily rhythms of life. Every conversation, every act of kindness, and every moment of integrity can point others to Christ.
Breaking Down the Divide
At Worship.Works and Work+Go, we aim to dismantle the missionary/non-missionary divide. As Larry E. McCray writes in The Marketspace, “the vast majority of the missionary force in our churches are untrained, unsent, and unengaged”. Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us that God gave leaders to the church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Every believer has a role to play in God’s mission, whether as a doctor, teacher, engineer, parent, or retiree.
Crossing the Border in Our Minds
As we consider the physical borders that separate nations, let us also examine the borders in our own minds and hearts. What lines have we drawn that keep us from fully embracing our identity as missionaries? What spaces or activities have we deemed “secular,” forgetting that all of life is sacred when lived for God’s glory?
In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds us that the divisions we create—whether between people groups or between “sacred” and “secular” work—are nullified in Christ. Our call is to cross these divides, both physical and spiritual, and to live out our faith boldly wherever we are.
A Commitment for All
As you reflect on the borders in your life, ask God to reveal the lines you need to cross. Whether it’s a step toward a colleague, a neighbour, or a new culture, know that He goes before you. Let us all commit to breaking down the divides and living as faithful ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom, wherever He has placed us.
Tim is the Work+Go Manager. Work+Go wants to see work and lives transformed by the good news of Jesus. As an organisation, they seek to inspire, equip and commission you as a follower of Jesus. Affirming that sharing your faith across cultures and having a fulfilling career are not mutually exclusive, in fact, they’re made to go together.
You can connect with Tim here.