Two Qualities That Matter Most

I’m not sure if it’s the smell of pumpkin spice, the Christmas decorations appearing earlier each year, or maybe the turkey I just ate on Thanksgiving. Regardless, I keep thinking about the importance of thankfulness.

When you think of missionaries, what comes to mind? Adventure? Travel? Maybe learning a new language and living in a different culture? Those things are real, but they’re not the core of what makes someone effective in missions.

Missionary life is challenging. It means leaving behind the familiar, living on the support of others, adapting to new roles, and often recalibrating your ministry approach. So what does it really take to thrive? Beyond skills and training, two qualities stand out: thankfulness and humility.

Thankfulness: Staying Grounded in God’s Goodness

Thankfulness isn’t just saying “thanks” when someone sends you a gift. It’s a heart posture—a recognition that everything we have comes from God and others. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes this: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord” (Psalm 92:1). Paul modeled this in his letters, constantly recognizing God’s grace and expressing thanks for the people to whom and with whom he ministered.

Why does this matter for missionaries?

Because life on the field is full of ups and downs. Without thankfulness, discouragement creeps in. Frustration turns into bitterness: toward God, toward teammates, toward supporters, even toward those to whom we go. An unthankful heart can lead to all sorts of unfortunate results—burnout, discouragement, quitting, even failure and disqualification for ministry.

Thankfulness keeps us surrendered. It reminds us that our identity isn’t in what we accomplish; it’s in Christ. Jesus reminded his disciples to rejoice “because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). It also shapes relationships. A thankful missionary prays with gratitude, treats supporters with respect, and approaches teammates and local believers with grace. Thankfulness keeps the heart soft and the mission strong.

Humility: Embracing Dependence and Service

If thankfulness keeps us grounded, humility keeps us usable. Humility points attention to Christ’s glory, not ours. It’s the only way to approach a holy God (Is 57:15), and it’s the posture that receives His grace: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Missionary work isn’t about being the hero. It’s about being a servant. Jesus set the example in John 13 when He washed His disciples’ feet, and Paul echoed it in Philippians: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who … humbled Himself” (Phil 2:5-8). Humility means being content to stay in the background, to serve rather than be served, and to accept circumstances we didn’t choose, recognizing they come at the hand of a sovereign God.

Why does this matter for missionaries?

Cross-cultural ministry is full of surprises. Plans change. People disappoint. Pride says, “I deserve better.” Humility says, “I’m here to serve.” It’s also a spiritual safeguard—without humility, ministry becomes about us, making us and our ministry vulnerable to the enemy’s destroying work (1 Peter 5:6-11; see also James 4:7–10).

Adoniram Judson warned, “Beware of the pride that would make you think yourself necessary to the cause of Christ. The work is His; we are only the instruments He uses and can lay aside at will.”

The Bottom Line

Missionaries who have inspired me the most aren’t known primarily for their language skills or leadership ability. They are marked by thankfulness and humility. These qualities don’t just affect teammates; they impact the very people we’re trying to reach. Missions isn’t about proving ourselves. It’s about pointing to Jesus.

Ready to take the next step? If you’re considering missions or simply want to live faithfully where you are, start here: cultivate a thankful heart and practice humility daily. These two qualities will carry you further than any passport stamp or ministry strategy ever could.

Want to learn more? Check out two resources that are required reading for new BMM missionaries: Have We No Rights? by Mabel Williamson and Cross-Cultural Servanthood by Duane Elmer.