According to Dr. W. Oscar Thompson (Concentric Circles of Concern), Matthew 28:19-20 seems to emphasize the word, “Go,” but that is not the way to translate it in Greek. The emphasis should be on, “Make disciples.” Dr. Thompson suggests that this passage should correctly be translated, “As you are going, make disciples of all the nations…”

“As you are going” has a very different connotation from the imperative, “Go.” This means that we are to make disciples wherever we are and whenever we go anyplace. The way we do that includes both bearing spiritual fruit and getting the Word of God out.

If we fail to bear spiritual fruit, we lose credibility as Christians. What is this fruit? We are told in Galatians 5:22-23. It is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the things unbelievers are looking for in Christians. They are the reasons they use to criticize Christians when they do not observe them. But, keep in mind that we Christians cannot produce any spiritual fruit, we can only bear it. Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

The essence of the Great Commission is for Christians to make disciples (other Christians) through both example and proclaiming the Gospel. We are to do this as we work, go to school, and anything we do. Jesus was not saying to necessarily go anywhere, such as to foreign lands. It is good that many Christians are called to be missionaries and go to other lands. But, we are all called to be missionaries at home and in our hometowns.

We need to proclaim the Gospel and all of God’s Word because most people do not know it. That is due to their lack of interest in preaching and church in general. This is a shame because they not only miss wonderful love and fellowship with other believers, they also deny themselves the wisdom they could glean from listening to good preachers. The best preachers are those who proclaim God’s Word. This necessitates preaching from the Bible, and precludes politics and personal opinions.

Like heresy, there is no room for anything in a good sermon but truth and light that only comes from God’s Word, as He has given us in the Bible. There is no room in a Christian’s life for things that should be beneath his dignity. Though no “works” have anything to do with salvation of one’s soul, God still expects godly behavior and good attitude from His children (Christians). So, my advice to all Christians, including myself, is “Act like a Christian.”

This means to invite the Holy Spirit to be our guide and leader. Allow Christ to live His life through us. Love people and always take advantage of any opportunity to do good. Let us watch out for needs of other people, and do all we can to help our neighbor, who, incidentally, includes our enemies. Jesus directed His followers to “Love your enemies.” That does not mean to emotionally care for them but to do all the good we can for everyone, even our enemies.