March 6th

In order to be a disciple making disciples we have to prioritize our lives. We have talked about this before with respect to making our time with Jesus a priority and making Him a priority in our lives. Now let’s look at how priorities have to line up for this commission we have been given.

Of course Jesus has to stay our first priority. If we don’t stay connected to the vine we can’t expect to bear fruit. If we don’t stay plugged in, we don’t stay charged and don’t have the power to reflect Jesus. But after that let’s look at our priorities.

Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

The mission of being disciples making disciples has to be a top priority as well, if it isn’t, we won’t do it. We will never get around to it if we don’t make it an intentional priority. We will need to get into the habit of asking ourselves if our day is planned around spending time with Jesus and making disciples. “But I have to go to work,” you say. Perfect, cultivate that field of souls right there at your office. Make your mission your top priority while you are there. Do your best work, make a difference everywhere that you can, be kind and caring, don’t grumble even when you want to, be respectful even when your boss isn’t. Others will notice and boom -you have just cultivated that ground for a future harvest.

Ephesians 4:29-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Another priority need to be spending time with other believers who are also making the commission a top priority. This is crucial for encouragement and inspiration. -And accountability. Come to church yes, but also, stay connected and close to a small group of believers throughout the week so that you can get prayer and encouragement. Not everyone is willing to take on this great commission that Jesus gave us. Some Christians just want to be separate, isolated from the world and they will criticize our interactions with nonbelievers. So expect criticism from some other believers. This is all the more reason to stay connected to those who are like minded in carrying out the disciple making mission. Plus, you will need someone to share your stories with, the hard ones, discouraging ones and the victories!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

So priorities are: 1. Stay connected, first to Jesus then to other like minded believers on the mission. 2. The rest is all about the mission.

Jesus, thank you for your grace and patience with me as I learn how to do this mission you have given me. Help me to prioritize correctly. Help me to recognize what and who are important to my day, each day. Help me to think about your plan the way you intended me to and help me to connect with the right Christ followers through the week. Help me to be an encouragement to them too. Thank you for making all of us a part of your plan.

They were all Ordinary Men. -God has a plan for each of us to be a part of his plan! Today’s verse to remind us that He has called us (the ordinary) to do the extraordinary:

1 Peter 1:15-16 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.