Except for man, all living creatures move according to instinct. They were given a "go ye" by their Creator to sleep, wake, find their food source, reproduce, socialize among their kind, fulfill their purpose on earth, live their appointed lifespan, then die and go back to the soil from which they were created.
Every Christian has also been given a "Go ye". Jesus' last words to His followers were, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations." (Matthew 28:19) He also added, "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Too often we interpret this command to be to foreign nations first, and neglect our own communities, counties and nation. "Oh, but I haven't been called to Africa or South America," we lament, then toss a few dollars into the missions offering plate and go our way. That is great, so far as it goes, but if we are not reaching out to our community first we need to take another look at our priorities. A church or individual that is not mission minded first is disobeying the Lord. So, I would like to challenge you to think "inside the box", for once.
We all have a "go ye" that can make a difference. Your "go ye" may be through your prayers. Any one can pray, and prayers are like laser beams that flash through God, then on to the person or need instantly. Maybe your "go ye" is in spirit through telephone calls, cards or letters to witness to a lost soul, comfort the sick and hurting, or encourage the weary. Perhaps your "go ye" is physical. There are a zillion ways we can get involved by getting out of our comfort zone to reach out when there is a need, and visitation is at the top of the list. Personal contact has the greatest effect of anything on those who need our help.
I knew of a lady and her family who had been faithful to their church for years, then became sick and died, and not one single card, phone call or visit came her way, from the pastor on down. No wonder her family never returned to church again. Dear friends, this should not be.
It's time for a reality check. Lord, am I fulfilling the "go ye" that you have planned for me? If not, please show me what I need to do.
-- Rebecca Somoskey
Except for man, all living creatures move according to instinct. They were given a "go ye" by their Creator to sleep, wake, find their food source, reproduce, socialize among their kind, fulfill their purpose on earth, live their appointed lifespan, then die and go back to the soil from which they were created.
Every Christian has also been given a "Go ye". Jesus' last words to His followers were, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations." (Matthew 28:19) He also added, "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Too often we interpret this command to be to foreign nations first, and neglect our own communities, counties and nation. "Oh, but I haven't been called to Africa or South America," we lament, then toss a few dollars into the missions offering plate and go our way. That is great, so far as it goes, but if we are not reaching out to our community first we need to take another look at our priorities. A church or individual that is not mission minded first is disobeying the Lord. So, I would like to challenge you to think "inside the box", for once.
We all have a "go ye" that can make a difference. Your "go ye" may be through your prayers. Any one can pray, and prayers are like laser beams that flash through God, then on to the person or need instantly. Maybe your "go ye" is in spirit through telephone calls, cards or letters to witness to a lost soul, comfort the sick and hurting, or encourage the weary. Perhaps your "go ye" is physical. There are a zillion ways we can get involved by getting out of our comfort zone to reach out when there is a need, and visitation is at the top of the list. Personal contact has the greatest effect of anything on those who need our help.
I knew of a lady and her family who had been faithful to their church for years, then became sick and died, and not one single card, phone call or visit came her way, from the pastor on down. No wonder her family never returned to church again. Dear friends, this should not be.
It's time for a reality check. Lord, am I fulfilling the "go ye" that you have planned for me? If not, please show me what I need to do.
-- Rebecca Somoskey
