CLEVELAND, Tenn. — We sometimes have to look deeply to find the motivation. Our culture, the immediacy of our situation, the influences to which we’ve been exposed – all may militate against our fervent obedience of Christ’s last command.
Years ago in seminary I read a statement by evangelism writer J.E. Conant that has stayed with me:
The Great Commission is sufficient authority to send us after the lost, but it is not sufficient motivation; for it is not the authority of an external command but the impulse of an indwelling presence that sends us after the lost.
The Great Commission, sure enough, gives us our marching orders. It describes our mission, our purpose as individual Christians and as a church. It defines the authority under which we minister and sets forth the dimensions of the task left to us by Christ. It provides a standard against which to measure our obedience to the Lord.
But it can’t make us go and make disciples.
The going to fulfill Christ’s commands must be urged by an inner compulsion. When Paul discussed the motivation for his obedient life, he didn’t say, “I heard the Commission and obeyed it.” Instead he said, “The love of Christ constrains me.” His was an inner drive.
I have been blessed over the years to know a good number of missionaries, and almost without exception they demonstrated the “I-couldn’t-do-anything-else” mentality that is the result of a life directed by strong inner compulsion. Day by day I come into contact with Great Commission pastors and laymen who exhibit the same resolve as Martin Luther, who declared, “Here I stand; I can do no other.” They are driven by a deeply felt conviction.
I often witness powerful, compassionate presentations of the gospel message and the call to Great Commission obedience, and I look about me to see the effect the message seems to be having on those who are listening. Some appear to be deeply moved; others exhibit a “ho-hum” attitude. The difference? What’s inside.
We sometimes have to look deeply to find the motivation. Our culture, the immediacy of our situation, the influences to which we’ve been exposed – all may militate against our fervent obedience of Christ’s last command. If that’s the case, it may be time for a heartfelt, Scripture-seeking time of prayer and soul-searching. After all, we will one day stand face to face with the Lord of the Church and give an account of our obedience or disobedience to Him.
What motivates you?
Bill George,
Coordinator of Education/Publications
© 2009 Church of God World Missions