Jesus calls me to live my life driven by this one purpose: to make disciples! Make disciples as I go. Much emphasis was given many years ago to the "going," especially overseas. But the emphasis is misplaced. Jesus calls me to make disciples as I go - wherever I happen to be: at home, at work, at school, or the ends of the earth. The call is to live all of life with the intent to make new disciples for Christ wherever I am. I don't need to go overseas to fulfill the call. I can do it right where I live today.
Make disciples by baptizing them. Baptism is the initiation rite into the faith. It is my identification with Christ in his death and resurrection. It is my dedication to Christ in body and soul. It is my public declaration that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. It is a command I must obey. I make disciples as I guide them along the process of making such a commitment. It implies pre-evangelistic as well as evangelistic activities that culminate in a call to follow Jesus.
Make disciples by teaching them. Christian doctrine is the basics of the faith and it is contained in the Scriptures. It is vital to teach good doctrine for the proper development of healthy disciples. Personal devotions, Worship Service, Bible Studies, and retreats are great places to get in touch with the Word of God and learn what Jesus wants from me. I must commit to teach the whole counsel of God to those who will become true disciples of Christ.
When do I know when a disciple is ready? When the disciple begins to make disciples him/herself. Lord, make me a good disciple-maker. I want to fulfill the purpose of your call upon my life. Fill me with a sense of urgency to seek those who would come into your kingdom to become your disciples.
