“Go and make disciples,” Jesus said.

That means we’re to go away from home and help grow other believers, right?

Well, yes and no.

I believe Jesus had the expectation that we would disciple those in our homes in the truth, knowledge, and worship of Him, then all of us take that to others.

The going away from home part? We seem to think that means going on mission trips to far-off places where we work hard for four days, take lots of pictures, play for three days, then come home. While I believe those trips have merit, I think it’s supposed to be much more personal, much more frequent, and much closer to home.

Many of us go to a workplace day in and day out. Many of us go to the same grocery store and restaurants. Often we see the same people each week if not daily. As we chat with these people we see so regularly, our speech should be peppered with references to the One we serve. We should be letting our Light shine so that they see Him and long for Him.

As we encounter people, we’re to take every opportunity to share about Jesus and His love. We don’t have to preach. We can do this by praying over meals, by being compassionate, by noticing the ones around us, but listening and caring. We can be morally upright and filled with integrity. We can talk to them about our past selves compared to who we are now after our rescue by Christ.

We have to remember that “making disciples” is much more than evangelism. Many tend to see that people become believers without following up to help them grow into fully devoted followers of Jesus.

Whose lives do you have influence in? Who can you speak life into? Encouragement, sharing how God has worked in your life that day, being a friend can all be moments of discipleship. It doesn’t require a book study, 12 weeks of videos, or a passport.

Today is a great day to scope out your mission field. Look around and see where you really are. Be bold at the restaurant when your favorite server brings your drink and ask, “I’m going to pray over my meal, how can I pray for you?” Their answer will let you in on who they are and their needs.

Ask God to reveal to you your disciple-making opportunities and to give you a heart for being obedient to His instruction.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.

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