Humanism

Why do we do mission work? Is it because of the Great Commission? In Matthew 28, Christ instructed us to "go and make disciples of all nations." We listened to him and that is why we have missionaries, right? 

Most Christians will tell you we do mission work because there are people in the world who have never heard about Jesus and, therefore, we need to tell them in order for them to be saved. Paul Washer says the end result is that we honor the Great Commission to save the souls of people. The end result is not about glorifying Christ. 

Humanism is defined as "any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate." It sounds like humanism may have infiltrated our motives for obeying Christ's Great Commission. 

Maybe this is not the worst thing that could happen. The apostle Paul says, "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Phil. 1:18) Still, it is a slow slipping away from a Christ-centered way of thinking to a man-centered way of thinking.

Jesus' instructions as to why we should "go and make disciples" was because "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [Him]." He doesn't say we should do it to save the souls of men. He simply instructs us to do so because He is God and everything is His.

We would be wise to watch our motives closely, lest we begin to focus on humanity and distort our reasons for obeying Christ.