Matthew 28:19-20 says, “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We have gotten really good at the first part of the great commission. We have no problem going out and making disciples of all nations. Yes, we are doing that. We share the mercy and grace of Christ with everyone we run in to. We even try to practice it in all of our affairs and interactions with others.
Unfortunately, Jesus did not stop there. In verse 20 he continues, saying “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Many have trouble with that. They have trouble teaching others to do ALL that Christ commanded, then rebuking them if they do not. Instead they stand by and watch people as they live a life that is leading them towards destruction. They can even justify it to ourselves and to others. After all, Jesus says nothing of rebuking in the great commission, does he?
He implies it when He says we are to teach others to OBEY EVERYTHING!! I have heard many claiming to be Christian say this is not so. I have even heard it from the pulpit. You may be able to mislead others, but you know better. Seriously, are you really telling that lie to yourself to make your life easier. What keeps you from doing the right thing?
He implies it when He says we are to teach others to OBEY EVERYTHING!! I have heard many claiming to be Christian say this is not so. I have even heard it from the pulpit. You may be able to mislead others, but you know better. Seriously, are you really telling that lie to yourself to make your life easier. What keeps you from doing the right thing?
Fear................people are scared! They are terrified of it being said they judged somebody. This is for one of two reasons. The first is that they believe they were told not to judge. The second is that they don’t want to offend people. Get over it....................just kidding...............sort of..................no not really.
Seriously, we are told in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” The problem is that most do not do this well. Generally, it is because they do not know how to do it.
Seriously, we are told in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” The problem is that most do not do this well. Generally, it is because they do not know how to do it.
For starters, we need to make sure when we talk to others we do it out of compassion and love, not anger or disgust. Next, we need to insure we are living our lives well. Remember, we are to take care of the in our eye before we address the speck of dust in our brother’s eye. Finally we need to live our lives Christ-like. Then we are set to talk to our brothers and sisters from a place of love.
I once heard someone say they were not judging but “fruit inspecting.” I really liked that. I am not standing in judgment of anyone. I am only seeing their actions and the words they speak and drawing a conclusion based on the information I am receiving. Furthermore, it is not malicious. I am merely worried for them and want to help them. I want to insure people find the salvation and hope I have. It would be at the very least simple-minded, petty and selfish not to share that with them. Worst case scenario, it is akin to manslaughter.
I once heard someone say they were not judging but “fruit inspecting.” I really liked that. I am not standing in judgment of anyone. I am only seeing their actions and the words they speak and drawing a conclusion based on the information I am receiving. Furthermore, it is not malicious. I am merely worried for them and want to help them. I want to insure people find the salvation and hope I have. It would be at the very least simple-minded, petty and selfish not to share that with them. Worst case scenario, it is akin to manslaughter.
Imagine someone is walking and not paying attention. I notice a bus coming by and they are going to step right in front of the bus. How much do I have to hate them not to warn them? How selfish is it of me not to put myself out a little to save them. If I truly believe they will walk in front of that bus and get hit how horrible of a person am I if I just stand there, saying and doing nothing to prevent it? And that is only their short earthly life, not their eternal one.
This is a lot more serious than walking in front of a bus. We are talking about someone’s eternal soul. How can we justify not talking to them about the way they are living their lives given that? We are not here to be popular. After all, Jesus wasn’t popular. Not to spoil the story if you haven’t read it, but He dies towards the end in the company of criminals! He even says that we will be hated as He was hated.
So, the next time that you are running for a popularity contest, remember this. No amount of Facebook friends is going to get you to heaven. What is more, it makes you feel better to know that you are helping those around you. You ministering is nothing more than community to service to a population that is starving for the hope, peace and happiness that you have.
So, the next time that you are running for a popularity contest, remember this. No amount of Facebook friends is going to get you to heaven. What is more, it makes you feel better to know that you are helping those around you. You ministering is nothing more than community to service to a population that is starving for the hope, peace and happiness that you have.
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ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right. We are afraid to call sin sin as we are told we are judging. Paul had no problem exhorting early Christians to live Godly lives but today would be considered intolerant. Excellent words.
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