Day 45 - Great Commission

So far we established what the double-edged sword is, how to use it internally, and today I want to focus on how to use it externally. How do I take this newfound relationship I have with the creator of the universe and use it daily with the people that surround me.
 
Matthew 28
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
 
These verses are known as the Great Commission. This is a command to Christians from Christ; to go out and not only “save” people, but teach them how to have a relationship with God and how to follow the ways of Christ.
 
The first part of this process is having a genuine relationship with Christ for yourself. Looking back at yesterday’s devotion, “This will cause you to start to see His precepts not as harsh condemning rules but as a loving measure in which He draws you closer to Him. You will begin to act according to the Word of God not to avoid the punishment, but because to disappoint Him will break your heart!” this needs to be where we strive to be.
 
People see through fake. We all know that person that has all the right words to say but there is no substance behind what they say, whether that is in spiritual, work, cars, sports, etc.  You cannot lead where you have not been, so if we are to be effective in the Great Commission then we first have to be become disciples of Christ ourselves. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that perfection must be obtained prior to making disciples. I am saying there must be a genuine relationship and dedication before moving forward. Relationships have ups and downs. God knows that we are fickle and knows mistakes are to come, but He wants your heart. He wants to walk with you and when that becomes your desire and priority, without a selfish motive, then you have a genuine relationship.
 
Yesterday I spent a brief second talking about the word being living and active. I believe that the effect it has on your life is contagious. Goodness, truth, and transformation are inspiring and undeniable. The relationships you have will begin to change as your relationship with God deepens.  You will not have to force anything because the way in which you live will be the testimony that inspires.
We learn who God is and where we are with God through His word. As we read, the double-edged sword will begin to pierce and cut away that which is not of God leaving room only for God.
 
Then we begin intentional discipleship. We find that relationship that we can pour into, what God has revealed to us. These types of relationship are deeper than your normal day to day because you begin to get into accountability. You are holding that person and yourself to a higher standard.
 
As a side note many Christians use the Word of God to elevate themselves in order to condemn others. This is not the message of the bible at all. The best way to show Christ in the day to day is through love. There is a time to be up front with someone and tell them the truth in love, but more times than not that time is not in your day to day relationships, but in the deep relationships. We as Christians need to embody love and show that to the world and stop condemning the world. Christ did not come to condemn, so who are we to condemn those around us. Love elevates and promotes progress.
 
Take time to reflect on these questions?
 
Is there substance behind the things that I say?
 
Do I use the bible to develop a relationship with God that causes an overflow of love into those around me or do I use it to raise myself above those around me?