“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19–20
As a society, we are more connected to the digital world than we have ever been before. We are able to connect to people tens of thousands of miles away within seconds. We are able to be a part of a global worldwide community. But are we?
How is it that, with the most connectedness with people that we have ever had, we feel even more disconnected?
We were created to have a relationship with God and with others. Sometimes social media just doesn’t fully satisfy the community need we have for long and healthy relationships.
When we interact online, we are missing important elements of conversation, like reading physical, verbal, and emotional cues. Without these elements, our interaction with others will always feel lacking.
So, how do we build this community we crave with others while living in this digital world? It may be time to disconnect so that we can truly connect.
God calls His children to go and tell others about the resurrected Jesus Christ. Once they confess their sin and believe Him as Lord and Savior, they are baptized. Then we teach them to obey Jesus’ commands. It is a Christian’s charge, our Great Commission.
Jesus invites us all to “come and see” and then to “go and tell.”
Let’s break down what a Christian is actually called to do.
“Go and make disciples” means we must evangelize. We are all called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. How are you making disciples, beginning with your own family and your sphere of influence?
“Baptize them.” Baptism with water is an outward public sign of an inward change to make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior. The true baptism that water baptism points to is the baptism by the Holy Spirit in which the Holy Spirit enters a person’s heart.
“Teach them to obey.” A person who becomes a Christian is like a newborn baby. The baby must be fed, grown, and trained to achieve maturity. Evangelism alone does not fulfill the Great Commission. Simply to baptize is not to fulfill the Great Commission. The Great Commission is followed when all three components are achieved.
Even though we are left with a great command, we are left with an even greater promise: Jesus’ presence. He is always with us. We who trust Him will be forever with Him. As we consciously practice and enjoy the presence of Jesus, He will empower us to fulfill His command.
So, how might we disconnect so that we can truly connect? Instead of focusing on followers, focus on building meaningful relationships with those around you. Instead of tracking engagement, simply listen with your heart to someone in your community. Instead of having superficial, meaningless conversations, connect with someone on a deeper level. Stay connected to your online community, but make the most of your time with those you see each and every day who may not know God. Pour out Jesus into someone’s life until your heart is full.
To whom is Jesus asking you to go to right now to make a disciple for Him? Will you go? How can we pray for you as you make the Great Commission your reality?
Peace and grace to you,
Have you heard? Our next Bible study is available to order!
Join us this summer for our next study, Enduring Hope. This six-week study on biblical hope shows us what it means to live with hope and how to endure through seasons of waiting and uncertainty. Join us as we focus on hope, endurance, and faith and as we grow in our ability to trust God when the future is uncertain.
Click the image below to find out more!
100% of the proceeds from your order go straight back to the ministry, helping us fight biblical illiteracy around the world and equip women with God’s Word in 40+ languages.
Thank YOU for your investment and support!
Read more about our mission and the languages we reach here.
—
More from Love God Greatly:
