What Are We Building? The Mission That Matters Most
In a world filled with endless activity and countless pursuits, there's a fundamental question every follower of Christ must wrestle with: What are we actually building with our lives?
Organizations build products. Corporations construct buildings. Some entities focus on developing systems and programs. In our digital age, many chase influence and followers on social media platforms. But for those who claim to follow Jesus Christ, the question becomes more pointed: Are we building what He commanded us to build?
The Foundation of All Authority
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 begins with a profound declaration: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." Not some authority. Not partial power. All authority belongs to Christ.
This changes everything about how we approach our mission. We're not operating on human wisdom, committee decisions, or cultural trends. The mission flows directly from the One who holds all authority in His hands. When Christ speaks, He doesn't offer suggestions; He issues commands backed by the full weight of heaven and earth.
Because of this authority, Jesus gives us our assignment: "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."
The Call to Go
Notice the action word: Go. This isn't optional. It's not "if you feel like it," or "when circumstances are perfect," or "after you've figured everything out." It's a command that assumes obedience from His followers.
Going requires us to move beyond our comfort zones. It means leaving the warm, familiar places where we feel safe and secure. Sometimes God calls us to broken people in broken places, people who don't look like us, don't think like us, and don't agree with us on various matters. Yet they desperately need someone willing to show them who Jesus is.
If we stop going, we stop being the church Christ called us to be. The mission is not a secondary add-on to our spiritual lives; it's central to everything we do as followers of Christ.
Making Disciples: More Than Decisions
But what exactly does it mean to "make disciples"? This is where many churches and Christians miss the mark. Jesus didn't say make attendees, adherents, or church members. He said make disciples.
A disciple is not merely someone who believes something about Jesus. A disciple is someone who has committed their entire life to following Him. Let's break down what authentic discipleship looks like:
A disciple follows Jesus as Lord. In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." This means surrendering control and submitting, moment by moment, to Christ's leadership in every area of life.
A disciple learns from Jesus. Matthew 11:29 invites us: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Like oxen yoked together sharing the load, we walk in partnership with Christ, shaped by His teaching and example.
A disciple obeys Jesus. John 14:15 makes it clear: "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Discipleship isn't just knowing what Jesus said; it's living what He commanded. Our obedience flows from love, not legalism.
A disciple is transformed by Jesus. Romans 8:29 tells us we are "predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." Through the washing of God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, we're progressively transformed to look more like Jesus each day.
A disciple helps others follow Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:2 instructs us to take what we've learned and "commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." Every disciple is called to be a disciple-maker. This isn't reserved for pastors or Bible scholars; it's the calling of every believer.
The Ongoing Process
Discipleship involves both conversion and spiritual formation. When someone places their faith in Christ, they publicly declare this new identity through baptism, a beautiful picture of the old life dying and new life beginning. But the journey doesn't end there.
Spiritual formation is a lifelong process. Whether you're eight or eighty-eight, there's always more to learn, more growth to experience, more transformation to undergo. The goal isn't merely to accumulate information about God; it's to allow that truth to transform how we live.
Never Alone
Perhaps the most comforting aspect of the Great Commission comes in its final words: "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Jesus didn't send us out alone. He doesn't leave us to figure things out on our own. His presence sustains us. His Holy Spirit guides us. When God calls us, He always goes with us.
Questions for Reflection
These truths demand personal examination:
- Am I truly a follower of Jesus Christ, or am I merely attending church?
- Who is discipling me? (We're all being discipled by someone, social media, news networks, cultural ideologies, or Christ and His Word.)
- Who am I discipling? Children, neighbors, coworkers, and people are watching and learning from our lives.
- Where is God calling me to go?
- How am I using what God has entrusted to me to advance His kingdom?
Parents especially carry the sacred responsibility of discipling their children. While the church comes alongside to help, the primary mission of parenting is leading children to Jesus Christ. Every adult should live as an example of Christ's love to the next generation.
Building with Purpose
We don't exist merely to maintain comfort or preserve the status quo. The mission is clear: love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Everything we build, whether ministries, relationships, or systems, must serve this mission. If it doesn't, it's simply a distraction.
The question remains: What are we building? May we rise together to build not just structures or programs, but transformed lives that reflect the glory of Christ to a watching world. With eternity in view, let us embrace the mission that matters most.
Devotional
A 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the message A Peace with Purpose.
Day 1: The Authority Behind the Mission
Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Devotional: Jesus begins the Great Commission with a powerful declaration: "All authority has been given to me." This isn't merely a statement; it's the foundation of our mission. When Christ sends us out to make disciples, we don't go in our own strength or wisdom. We go backed by the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth. This changes everything. Your inadequacies don't disqualify you. Your fears don't cancel the call. His authority empowers your obedience. Today, reflect on areas where you've hesitated to step out in faith. Remember, the mission isn't yours to accomplish alone, it flows from His unlimited authority and ability to see it through.
Day 2: The Cost of Discipleship
Reading: Luke 9:23-26
Devotional: Jesus makes discipleship's requirements crystal clear: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him. This isn't a casual invitation; it's a call to surrender. True discipleship means our will takes a backseat to His will. It means daily laying down our lives sacrificially for His kingdom's cause. The cross wasn't a one-time event in Jesus' life; it was the culmination of daily obedience to the Father. Are you willing to deny yourself today? What does taking up your cross look like in your current circumstances? Discipleship isn't about comfort; it's about commitment. But in that surrender, Jesus promises something remarkable: you'll find your true life by losing it for His sake.
Day 3: Learning from the Master
Reading: Matthew 11:28-30
Devotional: Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him. In ancient times, a yoke symbolized both burden-sharing and submission to a teacher's instruction. Jesus offers both—partnership and teaching. What makes this invitation so beautiful is His character: "I am gentle and lowly in heart." He doesn't drive us harshly; He leads with humility and grace. As you walk through today, remember you're yoked to Jesus. You're learning His ways, His responses, His love. This isn't about adding more religious obligations; it's about finding rest for your soul. Are you trying to carry burdens alone? Step into partnership with Christ. Let Him teach you His gentle strength.
Day 4: Obedience: The Evidence of Love
Reading: John 14:15-24
Devotional: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." These words from Jesus challenge our understanding of love. Love isn't merely a feeling; it's demonstrated through obedience. This verse can feel heavy, especially when our flesh resists God's commands. But Jesus isn't establishing a legalistic system; He's revealing what genuine love looks like. When we truly love someone, we naturally want to please them. The Holy Spirit convicts us when we fall short, not to condemn but to draw us back to repentance and restoration. Today, examine your obedience. Where are you resisting God's commands? Ask Him for a heart transformation that moves you from reluctant compliance to joyful obedience born from love.
Day 5: Making Disciples Who Make Disciples
Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Devotional: Paul instructs Timothy to entrust the gospel to faithful people who will teach others also. This is the multiplication principle of discipleship, not addition, but multiplication. Every disciple is called to make disciples. You might think you don't know enough or aren't qualified, but discipleship isn't about perfection; it's about progression. Who discipled you? Now, who are you discipling? Look around your life, your family, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow believers. Your children are watching you. Your life is teaching someone. The question isn't whether you're making an impact, but what kind of impact. Are you drawing people closer to Jesus? Today, identify one person you can intentionally invest in, sharing what Christ has taught you. This is how the mission advances, one faithful disciple at a time.