Mixed motives require a bait and switch

For many people, a short-term mission trip may start out to be about a desire to see the world, but it becomes more of a journey inward. When you live with the poor, you see how spoiled you are. When you see orphans go without food and water, your own hunger and thirst becomes insignificant in comparison. When you want to minister, but have no resources, you have to depend on God. You are thrust into the partnership with him that he desires.

Back home in our comfort zones with our stomachs full, we never really need God. We are limited in what we can learn about lordship.

So how do you ever reach a person trapped in their comfort zones? You have to start with where they are. If they are motivated by adventure, give them an adventure, but give them something more. And once they’re out of their comfort zone, they can consider a change.

Yes, it’s a bait and switch. I make no apology for meeting this generation where they live, meeting their need for adventure, and then asking them to change the world. God is all the time drawing people into a conversation and then changing the subject.