Go and make disciples

Go and make disciples is not a command only for the twelve apostles, but it is a command of Jesus for every child of God.

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 (Matthew 28:19).

It is said that on one occasion a personality was invited to visit a state institution.

The building was huge and full of offices and offices, with people going from one place to another.

This person was impressed by the magnitude of what he was seeing, and at the end of the visit he commented: “This place is impressive, how many people work here?

Then his interlocutor hesitated for a few seconds, as if calculating mentally, until he finally answered: “Well, about half of it.

Yes, there were a lot of people, but not everyone was working. Many were limited to being there and getting paid at the end of the month.

And in many places this is sadly true.

But the saddest thing is that in many churches this data is even worse.

For statistical purposes, an “active member” in an evangelical church is a person who contributes with tithes or donations to the support of the entity and who attends meetings at least 2 or 3 times a month.

Not one mention that he has accepted Christ as savior, or that he knows and lives according to God’s commandments. Even less that he manifests in his life the fruit of the Spirit.

It is enough if he sits in a pew every Sunday. Y que aporte para los gastos.

But is that good enough for God?

Is it enough to attend church and fulfill its requirements to be inscribed in the Book of Life?

Jesus made it very clear, in Matthew chapter 20, that many are called and few are chosen.

And in Luke chapter 13 He added that not everyone who calls Him “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of the Father.

And what is this will? Well, in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 28 and verse 19 we have the answer:

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.

Sometimes we think that the Great Commission is for a select few. The rest of us can sit quietly in our pews for a little while on Sundays, look attentive, say an amen once in a while, and that’s enough.

But the great commission is not something that was reserved for a few. After the worship of God, this is the central work of the whole Church.

This is what God has called us for. And He called us all.

Does this mean that we all have the gifts or callings of evangelist, or teacher, or preacher, or missionary?

Of course not.

God distributes his gifts as he considers best for the expansion of the work. But we all have gifts and a calling to collaborate with that mandate in one way or another.

For example, we can support that go, and make disciples with prayer; or by living lives that testify of God’s presence to others; or by collaborating with your gifts, your natural abilities or your time in the different services of the church; or by helping to create an atmosphere of reverence and love in the meetings and in the relationships with the rest of the congregation; or by helping your brethren to grow with your own experience and maturity.

There are many ways you can help build Christ’s Church.

Because the church is not the work of the pastor or the elders. The church is something that Jesus commanded us to build together.

And if you don’t do your part, you may be saved, but you will surely be left without your reward.

So cheer up, get out of your seat and get going. And if one day someone visits the congregation and upon seeing the size of the facility asks “How many active members do you have?” One can answer, “of those who are considered active, very few, but faithful Christians, many”.

God bless you.

Cover image by Diana Vargas on Unsplash