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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20)

In his book, The 7 Habits of Jesus, Robert Schumalzle points out that as disciples, we are called to live out Jesus’ mission.  This is the heart of his book!  In his introduction, Robert Schumalzle states, “The challenge now facing the Church is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ beyond the confines of a congregation.” (p, 21)  He stresses that we are in a renewed state of understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

I believe as Christians we do understand our calling for Christ.  But, I think it sometimes just becomes too hard!  The world has changed and keeps changing.  It’s not like it used to be when people just came to church on Sunday because it was just what you did!  The people no longer come to the church.  We have to go to them!  It is the only way to bridge the gap between the church and the world!

However, this is never easy to do!  It takes guts.  It has to be intentional.  We have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone.  But, even more important, we have to know why we are doing it!

My daughter who is a family and youth director for a Lutheran church in Charlotte, told me that sometimes she wonders why she is doing what she is doing!  We all feel like that at times!  We may often ask ourselves, “Why do I prepare for Sunday School?  Is anyone even going to bother to come?  Why do I prepare all this food for fellowship?  Will people show up for worship?”  In my daughter’s case, “Why am I doing what I am doing?  Will my youth even come and participate?”  So, for Christians, I believe we have to know why we do what we do.  Otherwise, it feels futile.

I told my daughter, “It is for the sake of the Gospel!”  The story has to be told if we believe in Jesus Christ.  We are commanded to do so!”  Jesus says, “Go. Go make disciples – baptize them and teach them my commands.”  We do what we do because we love Jesus so much and we want His gospel message to be known!

And, here is the really Good News…There is a reward!  Our eternal life!  And, no worries – Jesus promises that He will always be with us!

Don’t stop what you are doing even when you feel discouraged.  As a church, we cannot stop what we are doing even when we feel forces against us.  We will continue to do God’s work even if we only touch the heart of one person!