The Great ‘Co-Mission’
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20
God is certainly the Master-linguist. Amid my pondering of the marvelous concept of “The Great Commission,” I got to thinking, “Wow. It really is a co-mission (a shared mission for each of us) between brothers and sisters in Christ, making up the Body of Christ, increasing the Body of Christ.”
I used to believe that it was the Pastor’s job to go make disciples. But the Bible is clear, that it is our job as Christians—yes, every single one of us, no exceptions—to be the Lord’s instrument to build up the body of Christ, His Church. It is the Pastor’s and Teacher’s job to equip us to do that:
“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints (all believers) for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” -Ephesians 4:11-12
We are chosen.
What power and immense kindness of God that He would choose us and so uniquely create us to look beyond ourselves in order to synergistically make up and be His instruments to build up the Body of Christ.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.” -John 15:16
Jesus wants to partner with us in growing the Kingdom because He loves us that much. He wants to give us purpose through His redeeming love—that which is so beautifully woven through our own testimonies. We are called into the Great Commission not because we love the Father, but because He loves us.
Our differences are not simply tolerated but are cohesive assets to the Kingdom.
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” -1 Corinthians 12:4-7
What an awesome God we serve—that He would make no two humans alike, and yet, we are created for one cohesive Body and purpose! We are each designed with distinct giftings, passions and skillsets so that we might be called to our own path in Christ Jesus—that we might reach the specific people that God has predestined and hoped for us to encounter for the sake of His wonderous glory and Kingdom expansion. This is certainly great—a heart-stirring co-mission that God is allowing us to join and grow.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” -Romans 12:6-8
The Body of Christ is the only group of people to not only tolerate differences, but to use these differences for the profound magnification of sharing the love of Jesus. God goes beyond just allowing us to fit in, and instead says, “I want to utilize you, your testimony, and your specific giftings in bringing Heaven to Earth.”
Let us partner with the Lord in this way. Let us embrace the beautiful gifts we have each been granted in the Spirit—and not envy or look down upon those gifts He has given to others. Let us encourage our brothers and sisters in their unique gifts, callings and fervent passions in the Lord. Let us allow our own hearts to be transformed by the blood of Christ as we grow closer in the Body.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:11
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