It is true. They are waiting on you. On page 165, Matt Mikalatos in his book, Good News for a Change: How to Talk to Anyone about Jesus, says:
Your neighbor bought the place next to you for a reason: God brought them into proximity with you. The person bagging your groceries has been put there to give them a shot at knowing Jesus. They’re waiting for you. They’re waiting for us.
page, 165, Good News for a Change, by Matt Mikalatos
In the Great Commission, Jesus lists the two inseparable parts of disciple-making: (1) “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” and (2) “teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20, CSB).
Waiting for You
In many cases, the best person to disciple an individual is the one who led the person to Christ. They are waiting for you to share Jesus. They are waiting for you to teach them to live out Jesus’ commands.
Encounter moments happen nearly every day. Be in prayer. Be alert for teachable moments, for opportunities to share Jesus. Make it part of your greeting and conversation. Care and ask questions out of interest and be willing to share your love for Jesus.
Then be willing to “own” the opportunity to teach those who accept Jesus to obey Him. Walk with them through daily stress and struggles–yours and theirs. Teach them to listen to Him in the Word. Teach them to pray and share Jesus with others.
You’ll grow as you share Jesus and teach them to think and live like Him in this world. Remember, they are waiting for you. Check out Overcoming Disciple-Making Excuses for more thoughts. In all you do, make disciples!
Photo by Jed Villejo on Unsplash
