Have We Become Fat Christians?

In the busyness of modern Christianity, have we as believers become spiritually overweight but missionally malnourished? Are we, as believers, truly aligned with the fundamental mission set by Jesus, or have we lost sight of our purpose?

Let's explore some concerning trends that point to a widening gap between the Christian faith and the mission outlined by Jesus Himself.

A study in 2021 showed that out of the 7.7 billion people in the world, a staggering 3.23 billion remain unreached by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is 41.7 per cent! The Great Commission, the final charge given by Jesus to His disciples is very clear and even repeated in all four Gospels and the book of Acts. (Matthew 28:18-19, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-47, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8)

Matthew 28:18-19

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations and peoples. However, a shockingly high percentage of evangelical Christians are unaware of the existence of these unreached people. According to statistics, 70% of evangelical Christians do not know the fact that millions still await their first encounter with the message of salvation. Even more troubling, only 29% of Christians believe that reaching the unreached around the world is a "very urgent" task.

In this context, the Great Commission itself seems to be fading from the Christian consciousness. Only 17% of churchgoers claim to have heard and remembered what the Great Commission is all about, with even less than 10% of the emerging generation having any recollection of this crucial mission. The urgency of the Great Commission is underlined by Romans 10:14, which reminds us that people cannot call on Jesus for salvation if they have never heard of Him. The responsibility to share this message falls on those who already know it - you and me!

The statistics and trends presented here raise profound questions about the state of modern Christianity. 

Has missions become a department rather than a lifestyle? Are we compartmentalising our mission instead of incorporating it into every area of our lives?

Have we, perhaps, become numb to the gospel message and the transformative power of salvation? Is it possible that the profound impact of the Gospel has lost its resonance in our hearts?

Have we grown too comfortable in our daily routines, unwilling to step out of our comfort zones for the sake of those in front of us? Are we content with a faith that doesn't demand action?

Do we attend church services and conferences merely to receive for ourselves, without the intention of giving it away again? Is our faith a reservoir or a river?

Do our churches, communities, family, and friends truly understand the importance of the Great Commission and the Gospel message? Are we actively engaging in conversations that matter?

Are we doing our part to see the Great Commission fulfilled? Are we, as Christians, becoming spiritually obese, indulging in internal matters while neglecting our mandate to reach the unreached? 

The need for reawakening, re-prioritising, and recommitment to the Great Commission is evident. Our faith should not be a self-serving endeavour but a beacon of hope to a world waiting to hear the good news. We are called, equipped, and have a message to share! It is time for the church to actively participate in sharing the Good News and bringing people to Jesus. 

So what are some steps that we as individuals and churches can take to be active in this?

Step 1: Foster a Missions Lifestyle

It's essential to transition from viewing missions as a separate department or occasional activity to embracing it as a lifestyle. Encourage believers to incorporate the mission into every aspect of their lives, recognising that sharing the Gospel is not just a task for designated missionaries but a calling for every follower of Christ. This shift in mindset will help break down the compartments we may have unintentionally created around mission work.

Step 2: Prioritise Mission Education

Ignorance about the unreached and the urgency of the Great Commission can hinder effective mission engagement. Implement intentional educational programs within the church to increase awareness about global unreached people groups, the significance of the Great Commission, and the responsibility each believer carries. Equip the congregation with resources and information, fostering a deep understanding of the call to make disciples of all nations.

Step 3: Cultivate a Culture of Action

Challenge the comfort zones within the church community. Encourage believers to step out in faith, reminding them that faith without action is incomplete (James 2:17). Provide practical opportunities for outreach, both locally and globally. Whether through mission trips, community service initiatives, or personal evangelism efforts, actively engage in fulfilling the Great Commission. Shift the focus from self-serving faith to a faith that flows outward, impacting the lives of others.

Step 4: Empower Every Member for Mission

Recognise that every member of the church has a unique role to play in mission work. Empower individuals to discover and utilise their God-given gifts and talents for the advancement of the Gospel. When every believer understands their contribution to the mission, the church becomes a dynamic force for positive change in the world.

In implementing these positive steps, individuals and churches can actively embrace a vibrant, mission-focused faith. Let these steps be a catalyst for a renewed passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to being obedient to the call to make disciples of all nations. It's time to revive the urgency of the Great Commission and joyfully participate in God's mission to bring hope, salvation, and transformation to the unreached. 

Here we are, Lord—send us with hearts ablaze for Your glory!