Given the increasing secularization of society and the various interpretations of scripture, how can individual Christians practically apply the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) in their daily lives, considering their unique skills, circumstances, and spheres of influence, while remaining sensitive to cultural differences and avoiding proselytization that might be perceived as aggressive or insensitive? Furthermore, what are some specific examples of how this can be done in different contexts, such as in the workplace, within families, and in local communities, while balancing evangelism with acts of service and social justice? And finally, how can Christians discern the leading of the Holy Spirit in identifying opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission in a way that is authentic, impactful, and aligned with their personal calling?
Answer
The Great Commission, found primarily in Matthew 28:16-20, but also echoed in Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-48, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8, carries significant implications for individual Christians. It outlines a calling to participate actively in God’s plan of redemption, extending beyond personal salvation to include making disciples of all nations. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning for individual believers:
Personal Responsibility for Evangelism:
- Sharing the Gospel: The core of the Great Commission is to "go and make disciples." This necessitates sharing the good news of Jesus Christ – His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins – with others. This isn’t limited to formal preaching; it encompasses everyday conversations, sharing personal testimonies, and demonstrating the love of Christ through actions.
- Being a Witness: Each Christian is called to be a living witness of their faith. This involves reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives – demonstrating love, compassion, humility, and integrity. Actions speak louder than words, and a consistent Christian life serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.
- Identifying Opportunities: Individuals are responsible for recognizing and seizing opportunities to share their faith with those around them – family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and even strangers. This requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.
Living a Life of Discipleship and Teaching:
- Learning and Growing in Faith: Individual Christians must first be disciples themselves before they can make disciples of others. This requires a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and obedience to God’s Word.
- Teaching and Training: The Great Commission includes "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This means helping new believers understand and apply biblical principles to their lives. This can involve mentoring, discipling, leading small groups, or simply sharing insights gained from personal study and experience.
- Modeling Obedience: Discipleship is caught as much as it is taught. Christians are called to model a life of obedience to Christ, demonstrating what it means to live according to God’s commands. This provides a practical example for new believers to follow.
Active Participation in the Church and Global Missions:
- Supporting the Church: The local church is central to fulfilling the Great Commission. Individual Christians are called to actively participate in the life of the church through worship, service, giving, and fellowship. The church provides a community of support, accountability, and resources for evangelism and discipleship.
- Supporting Missions: The Great Commission calls for reaching "all nations." While not every Christian is called to be a full-time missionary, all Christians are called to support missions through prayer, financial giving, and encouragement of those who go. This includes supporting both local and global missions efforts.
- Using Gifts and Talents: God has gifted each believer uniquely. Individuals are called to use their gifts and talents to serve God and others, contributing to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This can involve anything from teaching Sunday school to using professional skills to support missions organizations.
Living with an Eternal Perspective:
- Prioritizing God’s Kingdom: The Great Commission reminds Christians that their ultimate purpose is to glorify God and advance His kingdom. This requires prioritizing eternal values over temporary ones, focusing on spiritual growth and service rather than material wealth and personal ambition.
- Enduring to the End: The Great Commission is a lifelong calling. Christians are called to persevere in their faith and service, even in the face of opposition and challenges. This requires reliance on God’s grace and a commitment to finish the race strong.
- Anticipating Christ’s Return: The Great Commission concludes with the promise, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This encourages Christians to live with a sense of urgency and anticipation, knowing that Christ will return and establish His kingdom fully.
In essence, the Great Commission transforms individual Christians from passive recipients of God’s grace into active participants in His redemptive plan for the world, empowering them to be witnesses, teachers, and ambassadors for Christ until His return.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before you humbled by the weight and the privilege of the Great Commission. We thank you for entrusting us, your flawed and imperfect children, with the task of sharing your love and truth with the world.
We ask for your guidance as we grapple with the personal implications of this sacred calling. Help us to understand, Lord, what it truly means for each individual Christian to participate in this mission.
Show us where we can serve. Reveal to us the unique gifts and talents you have bestowed upon us, and how we can use them to spread your Gospel. Help us to see the opportunities that surround us, in our families, our workplaces, our communities, and even in distant lands.
Forgive us, Father, for the times we have shied away from sharing our faith, for the fear that has silenced us, and for the complacency that has lulled us into inaction. Stir within us a burning desire to see others come to know you and experience the saving grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Grant us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, to speak boldly and with compassion, and to live lives that reflect your love and truth. Equip us with the wisdom to know how to share your message in ways that are relevant and engaging to those around us.
Help us remember that the Great Commission is not just for pastors or missionaries, but for every believer, in every walk of life. Remind us that even small acts of kindness and faithfulness can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
Father, empower us with your Holy Spirit so that we can be effective witnesses for you, both in word and in deed. May our lives be a living testament to your goodness and grace, drawing others to you.
We pray all this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations. Amen.