It was 1976 when I first professed faith in the Lord Jesus, Christ. At that time, apart from knowing that He died to save me from my sins, I knew precious little about Him. I came from an unchurched background and I didn’t possess a Bible. I was completely ignorant as to if and how my life would or should change through knowing more about Him. I didn’t know that my response to following Jesus meant a life of service to and with Him.

Friends, my discipleship development has largely been God-incidental, primarily orchestrated by the Holy Spirit and Scripture. It wasn’t long before I asked myself the question, “Now that I’ve been saved, what on earth am I here for?” I reasoned within myself that as a believer, right now, if I am fit for Heaven, why then am I still standing on terra firma?

My question was answered through the revelation of Matthew 28:18-20. This passage, known as “The Great Commission”, spelt-out in clear terms the reason why God has left me here. My earthly co-mission with the Holy Spirit is to “make” disciples (not believers)… men and women who would be effective influencers over others so that they too will want to choose to imitate Jesus with their lives. Note: We impersonate whenever we profess to be someone we are not!

Jesus is the Supreme Disciple-Maker. Early in His public ministry, He was deliberate in not telling anyone with His mouth as to who He was. He knew that words alone would not convince His audience. At that time, false prophets and teachers did a great job in leaving people doubtful and skeptical… more confused as to what-is genuine truth about God and what-is “man-ufactured” truth. Friends, people are more likely to be convinced of the truth through seeing-truth, not just hearing-truth.

A large number of Jewish society’s broken, uneducated, impoverished, and low-class came to know who Jesus was without assistance from any other person. Some went further–believing in Him, they followed Him. Why did they believe in Jesus? Because He demonstrated His divine authority over all of life, animate and inanimate! Jesus’ exercise of His extraordinary power over every form of sickness, diseases, evil spirits, death, and nature spoke convincingly louder than mere words.

It was towards the latter part of Jesus’ public ministry that He admitted to certain people to being the long-awaited, prophesied Messiah (the Christ) (Jn. 4:26, 13:19; Mk. 8:29). Mostly, however, it was His personhood (who He was) and His actions (what He did) that did the talking and persuading for Him.

“What on earth am I here for” is a great question to ask yourself! In the Book of Acts, Jesus says we are here to “be” Good News Reporters, telling people about Him everywhere (Acts 1:8)… firstly with our lives, through who we are – then with our mouths… if and when asked (1 Pet. 3:15).

Jesus said to His disciples, “You are the salt of the earth” …. “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13, 14). Friends, salt and light do not need to speak a word to be effective. Their effectiveness comes through being salt and light.

Many well-meaning Christians enthusiastically throw themselves into making passionate declarations about Jesus to their family and friends without first making sure their lives are demonstrating that which they are declaring with their mouths. Warning: Sincere and passionate declarations, without convincing demonstration = a dismal failure… a fraud!

While true and accurate demonstration does not need declaration, declaration needs demonstration. E.g., Couples enter into a marriage covenant relationship through first publicly declaring their love for each other and then, “until death do they part”, they must demonstrate their declared love… or else!

Friends, to be effective in your earthly co-mission you need to be sure that your life is demonstrating the level of faith in Jesus your mouth is ready to profess. Remember: Demonstration + Declaration = Effective Good News.

While true andcurate demonstration does not need declaration, declaration needs demonstration. E.g., Couples enter into a marriage covenant relationship through first publicly declaring their love for each other and then, “until death do they part”, they must demonstrate their declared love… or else!

Friends, to be effective in your earthly co-mission you need to be sure that your life is demonstrating the level of faith in Jesus your mouth is ready to profess. Remember: Demonstration + Declaration = Effective Good News Delivery.

Best wishes
Bill