Discouragement comes pretty quickly when we take our focus off of the end goal. One of the best ways to stay encouraged is to keep the ultimate goal in mind at all times.
All too often, especially in ministry, discouragement hits like a ton of bricks. There are lessons and sermons to prepare, people to visit, programs to plan, office tasks that need to be accomplished, and a ton of other stuff, some related to my role as a minister, some more mundane. Like sweeping up the mess left behind after an event, or filling the paper towel holders so they will be ready for the next event.
At times like this, the busyness can be overwhelming, and discouragement is just around the corner.
One of the best ways to combat this discouragement is to remember the true purpose of the church. Jesus stated it pretty concisely when he gave his followers the Great Commission, in Matthew 28:18-20:
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
When you look at the big picture, all the busy details fall into place, and everything you do seems worth the effort all over again. I believe that there are three main ways that remembering the purpose of the church helps us to stay encouraged.
Remember The Church’s Mission
Jesus gave us the task to make disciples. Our job is to take the gospel, the good news of what Jesus accomplished and share it with others. Our job is to present this message so that people have the opportunity to follow Christ and put their faith in him for salvation. He gives us two simple instruction on how to do this. We are to baptize them. Baptism is an integral part of the process, bringing with it forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:47-48). Our second task is to teach them, helping others to grow in their faith as they walk with Christ. This is the concept of discipleship.
Remember The Church’s Scope
Our purpose is to reach all nations. Mark 16:15 tells us to go teach this good news to all creation, implying that this is a global mandate. In fact, in Acts 1:8, Jesus sends his followers to the uttermost ends of the earth. When we get discouraged, it’s helpful to remember just how big the kingdom really is. It helps us put things in perspective, knowing that even the little things we do, that seem meaningless, have everlasting consequences.
Remember The Church’s Promise
Jesus made a promise to the church in the Great Commission. He let’s us know that we will never be alone, especially as we work to accomplish this job that he has entrusted to us. God in the flesh assures us that he will be with us. He made this promise to the apostles (Matthew 18:20), and to those who obey his commands (John 14:18-23). God gave similar reassurances to Moses (Exodus 3:11-12), Joshua (Joshua 1:5), and to the nation of Israel (Isaiah 41:10). This is a promise that we can rely on. And it’s never ending. His promise extend to the end of the age, helping us to know that no matter how long he waits to return, he is still here with us already.
When we keep in mind the promises given in this short passage of Scripture, instructing us on our job to perform, it’s easy to regain our perspective and stay encouraged.
Next time you feel like giving up, just remember the purpose of the church. It will help you to step back and see things from a higher perspective. And it will encourage you. My prayer is that this passage continues to motivate you and give you the strength to continue.
How do you honor the Great Commission in your life? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.