Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ’All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . .’ —Matthew 28:18-19

The goal for anyone serving with a missionary mindset is the authority of Jesus Christ.  As Jesus departs, leaving His disciples with a powerful word, He says “Go”. But He doesn’t just say “Go” but “Make” also. Further He says “Teach” and the “Baptize”.  These elements demonstrate God’s rule in a person’s life. Are you going? Making disciples? Teaching? Baptizing? All of these things flow from a life that has Christ as the Authority.

This does’t mean that if you have never been out of the country that you are failing, however. What it means is that from where you are, you are living with this kind of philosophy. Jesus’ disciples never traveled to vast or various countries. But they did affect them all by the way they lived their lives!

When we spent time with Jesus Christ, we are changed and that change affects everything around us and everyone we encounter. When we bear the name of Christ, sharing in the fellowship of His sufferings, others easily see who the Authority in our lives is.

Going and making disciples of all nations doesn’t require us to go very far in our day and age. We have people coming from all nations to live among us. We have the access to all nations through the means of the Internet and Social Media. Making disciples is really about making ourselves available to God to be used in such a way.

God may select some to go far while others may go near. God is the one who orchestrates our comings and goings. God is not so much hung up on “where” we are as much as what we are doing wherever we are. Abiding in Christ is the way we discern and determine the direction Christ desires for us to travel and live. Walking with Jesus on a daily basis is the best way to ensure you end up going right where He wants you.

George Lockhart