WHAT TEAM ARE YOU ON AND WHO IS YOUR COACH?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 28:19)

MEDITATION:
Whenever we join any organization, it’s because we want to participate
in what they are doing, right? When we apply for a job with a company,
it’s because we want to use our skills to contribute to their success, right?

Using this same analogy, when we invite the Lord into our life, it should be
because we want to use our skills to participate in what He is doing, right?

We might have this question,
    “What is the goal of the Lord?”
The answer is, He wants everyone to be saved and baptized into His family.
That’s why believers are asked to “Go”, “Make disciples”, and “Baptize them”.

Think about it for a moment. when Jesus walked the earth in human form,
He was only in one place at a time. However, now He has a multitude of people
in His family who can participate in achieving His desire to reach the lost.

Wouldn’t it be boring (and disappointing) if you joined a sports team,
but were not allowed to participate? Isn’t it exciting to know that the
Lord has given us assignments, so we can participate in what He is
doing, and feel we are a contributing member of His team (family)?

The assignment for Christians is simply to…
    “seek out and lead the lost people to the Lord”.
It’s not complicated, and the Lord has given us the benefit
of an advocate (the Holy Spirit) to assist us in our efforts.

“Seeking” can mean any number of things. The Lord may send some
to other areas or countries, but many can ‘seek the lost’ where they are
right now. Sometimes ‘seeking’ can mean allowing our faith to be shown
through our words, actions, and attitudes.

We may not be able to articulate the things we want to say to others
(which could encourage them to seek the Lord), but until we become
more comfortable speaking to others about salvation, we can still
have a positive impact as we show our love for the Lord, and how
we have surrendered our lives to Him as committed followers of Jesus.

Others need to see that we are a part of something that is not only
pleasing to the Lord, but exciting to us as well. Others need to know
our faith is real, because they can see the joy of our faith displayed
in the way we live and the things we say and do.

ACTION:
Questions to consider:
    – Am I a believer in Jesus Christ?
    – Am I part of the Lord’s efforts to ‘seek and save the lost’?

God has given us an awesome responsibility, and He has included the
skills required and the help of the Holy Spirit to accomplish what He
wants/expects of us.

You have probably heard this expression before,
    “If you were on trial for being a Christian,
      would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

What do the lost see when they witness our words, attitudes, and actions?
Would they see something they desire for themselves, or would they be
uninterested in getting to know the Lord?

If others were asked,
    “Would they say our faith is sincere
       and we are committed to the Lord?”
how would they answer? Being honest, how many lost people would
be drawn to the Lord, by our consistency in living as a believer and
follower of Jesus?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your gift of salvation.
Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross so I could have access to
God’s incredible gift. Thank You for giving me assignments so I
can feel I am an important part of Your family. Lord, You know
how awkward I can feel when trying to fulfill Your expectations
for me, but I know that You will help me to feel more comfortable
as I serve You. Help me to start serving You by assuring others that
my faith is real and I am committed to You. I am glad there is more
to salvation than just waiting around to join You in eternity. Teach
me to do what You want me to do and to be aware of the Holy Spirit
in my life to assist me in serving You. I want to please You and to let
others see that I love You as my Heavenly Father! Help me to be a
light in this world of darkness and to be ready for each opportunity
to share Your love with those who need to know You.”

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