REFLECTIONS
June 5, 2005
 
 
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
2 Corinthians 5:20
                                                                                 
 
Making Disciples
Part Two in the series Graduating from Sunday School
 
It happened one morning as I arose from my devotional time. I was preparing to set about doing the things that I had always done when I became aware that I no longer wanted to do those usual things. So I began asking myself, “Richard, why did God make you? Why did He bring you to this place and this time, and why did He lead you down the road that brought you to this point in your life?”
In searching for answers that morning I began a transforming journey of discovery that has indeed led me to view my life differently, to walk down new paths, and to pursue a mission I believe God has called me to. The pursuit of a mission in life has dared the use of the Sunday School diploma that was the subject of last week’s Reflections. 
Jesus commissioned us all to make disciples; but just like most other people I really have not felt qualified to do that. But neither did Abraham, Moses, Ruth, David, the Disciples, and Apostle Paul. When God called them, these were ordinary people doing ordinary things like herding sheep, homemaking, fishing, and tent making. God had been using them in those roles even as He called some of them to greater positions.
We spend the majority of our time doing ordinary work. We worship on Sunday and perhaps participate in church sponsored programs at various times during the week, but by far most of our time is dedicated to being ordinary people doing ordinary things. So when Jesus asks us to, “go and make disciples…” (Mt 28:19); and Paul tells us that, “each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him,” (1 Co 7:17) they are not teaching us to lead two lives—one for God and one for the world. We are called to one life.  By leading ordinary lives we are guiding lights to those around us.
If we are committed to Jesus’ command to make disciples, our ordinary work becomes spiritual work. We can assume real shepherding roles without becoming professional clergymen or limiting our spiritual activities to prescribed programs of the church. Every daily task becomes sacred when we claim them for God’s glory.   When we abide in Jesus and allow Him to reside in us, we become Christ’s ambassador illuminating a path that others will follow.  And that is what making disciples is all about.
 
You are the light of the world,
Richard Ì


Click here for Printer Friendly Version