There's been a lot of learning this year during the decision and preparation to leave and the first few months of living here in Uganda, but I think one of the greatest themes I've seen play over and over has been the Great Commission.
When I was preparing to come over, I didn't know why, but I had the Cain song "The Great Commission" on replay over and over. Little did I know it would be such a resounding theme over the next few months.
The Great Commission is the command Jesus gives the disciples before He went back up to Heaven saying:
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20)
I've recognized times in my own life that I find myself caring too much about what I'm doing and I tend to neglect concern for who I am becoming and for friends and family around me. And while I think the things we do can open doors and create opportunities to glorify God, sometimes I take this passage of scripture as the Great Suggestion rather than the Great Commission.
In my mind I think that "well as long as I am glorifying God, people can see that and that should be enough" and "people don't really care what I have to say."But those are straight up lies. There has never been a greater time and urgency to share the good news with so many who are hurting and hopeless in today's world; whether that's here in Uganda or back in the U.S.
Part of growing deeper in my relationship with God is learning that when He asks us to do something, it is often for our own sake and sanctification process as much as it is for the expansion of His Kingdom. God doesn't need humans to make Himself known, He has all the power and authority to do that Himself, but he chooses to allow us to help and trusts us to take His word and commands seriously.
The hope, and salvation, and freedom I have in Christ is the single greatest joy and security I have in life. Why would I not want to share that with as many people as possible?!
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