Christian Living

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January 31, 2012 – An Unfulfilled Commission

19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20 AMP

The Great Commission is one of the most known passages in the Bible. The eleven disciples went to the place in Galilee where Jesus said He would meet them. Upon their meeting, He charged the disciples with this task. Make disciples and baptize them. Teach them all I have taught you. But look at the Christian world today and you will see a Great Commission only partially fulfilled.

Churches, Christians, and international missionaries alike are all on board to getting people saved. Unbelievers receive their salvation and are baptized. Whether it’s one on one at someone’s home or at a rally among thousands, there is always a celebration when someone makes a commitment to follow God. But all too often things end right there. Some churches have even adopted a get ‘em in and get ‘em saved mentality. But look at verse twenty from today’s passage. It tells us to teach these new believers to observe everything that Jesus instructed. How in the world are we supposed to do that? Even John, the beloved disciple, says that if everything Jesus did were recorded in detail that the world wouldn’t have enough room for the books that could be written (John 21:25).

The truth of the matter is that we do not know word for word everything Jesus taught. But we do have the Bible as a guide. Jesus Himself said that He didn’t come to do away with the Law or prophets, but He came to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). In addition, New Testament writers have given us additional guidelines for Christian living. These guidelines allow us to live as an effective witness in the midst of an ungodly world. And whether you believe it or not, the instructions contained in both the Old and New Testaments will keep all who follow them safe.

Keep us safe? I am sure there are some people who think the only thing that will keep them safe in a wicked world is a firearm by their side. But let’s look at the bigger picture. If we as Christians are to fulfill the Great Commission, how do we do it? First and foremost, we must not ever compromise God’s Word. If it’s in the Bible, it’s true and we should never go against it. Take some time over the next day or two and read Proverbs Chapters Ten through Twelve. As you’re reading, notice all the blessings that accompany the uncompromisingly or consistently righteous versus the curses that follow the wicked or evil. There are some very serious words that God gave Solomon in those chapters alone. Those three chapters should lead us to the road of living a life without compromise. But things don’t end there.

After Christians choose not to compromise what the Bible says, it’s time to take life seriously. Christians cannot put themselves into situations where their faith could be compromised. For example, a Christian has absolutely no business going into a bar to fulfill the Great Commission. Paul teaches that evil corrupts good behavior (1 Corinthians 15:33). He tells us to separate ourselves from unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:17). Now we are by no means supposed to hold ourselves aloof from unbelievers, but we are supposed to win them over by our godly behavior. Going into places where sin runs rampant to win souls for Christ is hardly an example of a Christian acting in a godly way.

Some detractors will now undoubtedly argue that you cannot be an effective witness if you don’t seek out the unsaved in compromising places. Don’t lie to yourself. You might even say that Jesus dined with sinners. You’re right, He did. But He didn’t do it day in and day out. Much of His teaching occurred in and around the temple. Sometimes He taught in the open countryside. But people were drawn to Him. He was the Light in a dark world. We have to be the same way.

If you live an uncompromised life, those people who God wants you to reach in the world will be drawn to you. You won’t have to reenter the world you left behind. Those God wants you to reach will be seeking you out and knocking on your door. They will want to know about the Jesus that you know. Then you will be able to lead them to Christ as well as tell them all you know about Him.

What do you do now? Stop trying to fulfill the Great Commission in the lives of others without having it right in your own life first. Let His light shine through you in every thought you have, every word you speak, and every deed you do. Only then will you be able to not only lead others to Christ, but you will also be able to live out His teachings by example and pass them on. Then and only then will Jesus’ Great Commission be fulfilled in your own life.

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