Don’t Be a ‘Not Me’ Christian: Why Every Believer Has a Role in God’s Mission

In my house growing up, “Not Me” was basically our fourth sibling.

Whenever something got broken, spilled, or mysteriously misplaced, our parents would ask “Who did this?” The answer from us three kids was always the same: “Not me.”

The lamp got knocked over? Not me. Someone left the freezer door open? Definitely not me. It became a running joke. “Not Me” was always to blame.

But lately, I can’t stop thinking about how dangerous the “Not Me” mentality is for the church.

Here’s what I told our church yesterday:

If we’re not careful, we can easily become “Not Me” Christians. Because it’s so easy to fall into comfort and consumerism. We want church the way we like it. We want our style of worship, our kind of preaching, our favorite programs. But when it comes to responsibility for the mission? For reaching lost people? For serving, giving, or stepping out in faith?

Not me. That’s someone else’s job.

In Acts 18, the Apostle Paul arrives in Corinth—a city known for wealth, vice, and spiritual darkness. Bible scholars call it the “Las Vegas of the ancient world.” But Paul didn’t avoid Corinth even with all of its sin and darkness. He never thought, “This place is too far gone.” Instead, he viewed Corinth as too strategic to ignore. And he jumps in with both feet.

In Corinth, Paul serves Jesus in the ordinary and the extraordinary. He preaches boldly in the synagogues—but he also makes tents. He does evangelism and discipleship, even as he works a job. Paul doesn’t divide his life into “ministry” and “everything else.” His work was a platform for the gospel.

That’s convicting because of us spend far more time at work than we do at church. So ask yourself: Am I the same person on Monday as I am on Sunday?

Do your coworkers see Jesus in you?

Are the people around you more likely to follow Jesus because of the way you live?

At a critical moment in Corinth, Jesus appears to Paul in a vision and says, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent… for I have many in this city who are my people” (Acts 18:9–10). That line always gets me. Jesus was calling Paul to be a part of his plan to save the lost in Corinth.

The same is true for us. Jesus has people in your city. In your neighborhood. In your workplace. In your friend group. People He intends to reach—through you.

Don’t be a “Not Me” Christian. Don’t assume someone else will lead, serve, share, invite, or disciple. Jesus has called you to follow Him. Right where you are. Right now.

Let’s be people who serve where Jesus calls us. Whether that’s in the pulpit, in a classroom, in an office, or on a factory floor—every moment is an opportunity for mission.

Be the kind of Christian who hears the voice of Jesus and responds, “Yes, Lord. Send me.”