Make Disciples

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

IN JESUS’ COMMISSION to his disciples before ascending to the right hand of the Father, we also find a commission for ourselves as a family. Our chief responsibility as parents is to make disciples of our children, to lead them toward having their identity flow from their connectedness to Christ and his body, and to teach them to live in obedience to Christ. We want his Kingdom authority to reign supreme in the hearts of all who live in our home.

This commission is meant to become the core calling of our family as well. Of course, different families will live out this calling in different ways that reflect their unique circumstances, location, season of life, gifting, and passions. Christ’s charge should impact how we spend our money, what we do with our vacation and recreational time, and what motivates our academic pursuits and career goals. What this means is that instead of raising up our children to pursue the American dream of a good job, a few kids, a nice house, and a comfortable life, we should orient the culture of our family toward making disciples of those who do not know Christ and teaching new disciples what it means to live in obedience to him.

Fortunately, just as the disciples weren’t given an impossible task to complete on their own but instead were assured that Christ was empowering and directing them, so we can be sure that we are not left on our own to live out this calling as parents and families. What Jesus calls us to do, he equips us to do.

Lord, I recognize that so many dreams and desires get in the way of our family keeping the mission of making disciples at the core of who we are and what we do. We need your help to readjust our misplaced priorities, ignite our cold hearts for the lost, and eradicate the fears that prevent us from following you. Lord, we know we communicate our dreams and desires for ________’s life to ________ in so many ways. Won’t you work in us so that our true desires will conform to your commands?