The Great CommissionSample

The Great Commission - Building Bridges

I used to hate so-called ‘witnessing’ during my youth fellowship days. Walking up to strangers with some pre-packaged Gospel message seemed impolite and artificial. And when it came to door-knocking, whereas others fervently prayed for faith-sharing opportunities, I just as fervently prayed that no one be home!

I now know differently. Jesus reminds us that it is about Him being the focus of the life we live: being beacons of light in a dark and shadowy world. Sure, words are still used, but these words of witness are to be spoken in the context of what we might call the music of our everyday lives. Our witness then resembles a song whose lyrics and melody become a satisfying whole. When Jesus invites us to practise what has been called ‘The Great Commission’, He is not simply telling us to dump what we know of our faith onto unsuspecting strangers. At the same time, He is not envisaging His people hiding behind their religious barricades and making occasional sorties into the world beyond.

Through our godly lives, by our wise words, we build bridges. We are not in the business of collecting quick spiritual scalps. We are urged to bring others into a lifetime of following Jesus: disciples, not mere converts. We are not sales reps pushing a product. We are travellers with Jesus, encouraging others to join us on the journey.

Written by DAVID REAY