Matthew 28: 19-20 (ESV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Mark 16: 15-16 (ESV) “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’”
These verses are what we all call ‘the great commission’. It is pushed on us that we must go and witness to everyone and gather more disciples for the Lord. We are told that this is our chief responsibility. And if you don’t feel that you can just walk up to anyone and tell them they are a sinner, then you can help out in one of our church groups. We have children’s ministry, recovery groups, grief relief, men’s groups, lady's groups, and so on. However, man’s ways are too stifling and rigid and oh by the way, unproductive! Man will tell you, be bold. Step out of your comfort zone. You do not need to be bold, only faithful. So, for the humble and shy believers, I have good news for you.
By now, those of you who read my writings know I’m going to talk about the Holy Spirit. Remember the night Jesus was betrayed and as He was saying goodbye to His disciples He said, “When He (the Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16: 8. The Spirit will convict, not you! He holds that responsibility all to Himself. So, relax, His way is much better anyway.
When Christ was giving the great commission, He was sending His disciples out to begin the spread of the gospel to all lands. That’s been done already. So, the great commission has been completed in that sense. Then, what is my part and your part?
To live a Christlike life. Let me explain: This means I have the Holy Spirit living within me, always moving me towards a life that is reflective of Christ. As I agree with Him and obey His voice, I become more Christlike in my life. It is that Christlikeness that draws the hurting and desperate lost souls to ask, “What have you got?” “Why such joy?” “You always seem to have peace no matter what.”
Not all lost souls hurt. Some are just too arrogant or greedy to see their need. They are not your worry. Only the Holy Spirit can reach the arrogant. Meaning we should concentrate on what we can affect, obedience, humbleness, honesty, surrender, forgiveness, love, and all those attributes that belong to the Holy Spirit.
When those character traits become attached to our spirit something noticeable happens. We are good to our neighbors. We do not join in the gossip pool at the company water cooler. We help those who can’t reach something in the grocery store. We love our spouse more. We hold no grudge. We walk in such freedom that the “Joy of the Lord” begins to take over our lives. We have become His witness without even realizing it. You don’t need to beat on your neighbor about his sin. You are to love your neighbor as yourself. You do not need to pass out tracts on a street corner for the gospel’s sake. Show your boss what an honest and hard-working employee you are. Some of you are thinking, well that’s kind of what I do. Then you are being Christ’s witness all day long without saying a word.
When are you supposed to say something? 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
The Holy Spirit will want you to help at times. Instead of fear, think it an honor to be included by Him. Humbly and gently obey Him and you will experience pure joy in doing so. I hope this has taken some stress off your shoulders. Remember, follow the Spirit and put away man’s ideas.
Amen?
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