Read: Matthew 28:16-20

I just finished reading “Through Gates of Splendor,” a book about five missionaries who gave their lives fulfilling this commission. One thing that struck me the most was this quote from Jim Elliot, one of the missionaries: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Will most of us give up our lives, like these men, in order to go spread the Gospel? No, probably not. But fulfilling the Great Commission, making disciples, spreading the Gospel – it does come at a cost to everyone. Our money. Our time. Our energy. Our comfort. But in reality, is any of this actually ours? Isn’t it really God’s money and time and resources that He’s graciously given us to steward?

I bring up the story of these missionaries not to point out how they went to another country to preach to savage tribes. I’m telling it to point out their hearts – hearts that were changed by God, and therefore wanted to see other’s changed by God. Hearts that were firstly motivated by their love for God, and secondly by their love for people. May our hearts be motivated by the same.

And are we prepared to share this Good News not only in planned evangelism, but in the opportunities God gives us in our everyday lives? Yes, God works greatly through missionary work – but most of our Gospel conversations will happen around dinner tables. At work. During our everyday lives, through relationships. Are we working to build those relationships? Are we “…prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”? (1 Peter 3:15).

To be honest, these verses can be scary. Sharing the Gospel can be scary. It costs us our comfort; it costs some people their very lives. But the last sentence of the Great Commission gives me so much peace, and I think Jesus said it for that purpose. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” He goes with us. The King of kings, the Prince of peace, the Good News himself – He never leaves us alone. By His power and grace may we go, and as we go, may we tell of Him.

Do you feel prepared to tell someone the Gospel?

If not, what is a step you can take to prepare yourself?

One great way to make disciples is to share your personal testimony. I encourage you to take some time this week to think over your testimony and how to share it with others.

Remember – He is with you always!