∞

IMAGINE THE COMMISSION

By Allen Abendschein

THEN JESUS CAME TO THEM AND SAID, “ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME.  THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.  AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE.”  [MATTHEW 28:18-20]

The “Great Commission” is one of those foundational verses in the bible. The word commission is interesting, it means to convey authority; it is the condition of being placed under special authoritative responsibility or charge. As a Christian this verse is speaking directly to me. This is what I am to do, go out in the world and make disciples of all nations. So if you have ever been at a loss from knowing what God wants for you, in your life, this is it.

It would be wise for us to periodically ask ourselves “how is it going?” What exactly should I be doing to fulfill this commission, and how can I tell if I am successful? Don’t be too hard on yourself, many people struggle to find their stride, myself included. The important thing to remember is that God has uniquely gifted you, so whatever you do to build the kingdom, and however you get this work done will be unique to you.

One way to find-out if you are hitting-the-mark is to ask yourself “is this pleasing to God?” Another way to check-in is to ask your self “am I having fun, by using my talents, the ones that God has given to me?” If you can say yes to these questions chances are you are in a very sweet spot. Doing God’s work should never be a burden, it should be something that gets you excited, makes you feel good, and gives you a great deal of satisfaction.

One of my favorite clichés is this: You cannot steer a ship that is not moving. What this means for you and me is faith should result in action; it causes movement, the movement of the Holy Spirit within us. To fulfill Christ’s commission for us means we have to get going, get busy, and get off the sidelines and into the game. Our church has many opportunities for you to get plugged-in and to make a difference for Christ in people’s lives. But the first step belongs to you, and every journey starts with that first step, but remember to have fun with it!

QUESTION TO CONSIDER

Where can I be used in service to the Lord?

PRAYER

Dear God give me a heart for reaching-out to people, and the confidence to speak the truth of your word.