Not Just Believers but Doers.

The first disciples of Jesus were instructed by Him to make disciples of all the nations, not just to make believers. They were to teach new followers to put into practice the same instructions that Jesus had given to the first few, not least to proclaim the Kingdom of God and perform healing. Jesus further said that acting on His instructions would result in a solid foundation to the lives of His followers, that would hold fast when storms occurred.

A soldier is subject to both standing orders and today’s orders. He doesn’t need to be told each day that his weapons need to be cleaned, but he does need to know each day where he is going to confront the enemy. And so it is within the Kingdom of God: confession of sin and forgiveness of those who’ve wronged us are standing orders from the King, but we also need His instructions each day as to what spiritual ground is to be taken.

It would be at least foolish, and more likely dangerous, for a soldier to decide on his own plan of attack. He needs to move strictly under the authority of the officer in charge and take full advantage of the powerful weaponry that is being deployed for the current battle. Thankfully, Jesus also only sends out disciples with His clear instruction and under His authority, but we must listen to Him. He also spiritually empowers them with exactly what’s needed to carry out the task that He’s given them each day, enabling them to challenge the power of the enemy.

Being a doer and not just a believer in God’s Kingdom is vital, but we must be careful not to busy ourselves in activity that’s neither a standing order, nor today’s order from the King.

Prayer: Father, I want to be an active follower of Jesus, but only to be involved in the action for which He’s given the necessary instruction, authority and power. Amen.