Greatest Gift

With the effects of Covid-19 sweeping the planet, hitting developing nations deeply, what is the greatest gift that we can give people? Of course, we should take to heart and act on John's observation, "If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?"

​During times of pandemic and economic loss, we need to slow down and listen to people's stories and hear their needs. Yet, although food is a critical gift, it is not the greatest gift.

Jesus recruited all of us to give the greatest gift: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Discipleship is the greatest gift that you can give any human being on the planet. Discipleship is the process of introducing a friend to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and teaching him/her how to live out Jesus's commands. Discipleship adjusts the person's worldview to align with the Bible's truth for life. It steadily teaches a believer's true identity, and instructs in how to live a life that is authentic to that identity. The process adjusts personal thinking and culture to match God's kingdom culture and thinking. 

To put it another way, discipleship is the garden where faith germinates and produces fruit. The Gardener carefully plants, prunes, provides, and protects. 

In the midst of this pandemic, we anchor into our mission to give away the greatest gift possible: an eternity-long relationship with Jesus Christ. Discipleship is a foundational reason why we minister. Through discipleship, people are born again into a hope-filled future. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11