As you drop a child off at school or end a conversation with a friend, do you find yourself making a last-minute comment? Perhaps you share a simple reminder, suggestion or instruction with the hope that your last words will stick with them.
Now imagine in your ministry, spending months in prayerful preparation, enlisting and organizing volunteers to accomplish a God-appointed task, and the event is about to begin. As the leader, what will you include in your last-minute comments?
As Jesus’ earthly ministry came to a close, He left His followers with significant last-minute comments and instructions, as found in Matthew 28:18-20. Since Jesus has the perfect plan for making disciples, these comments should hold great significance for us.
Jesus reminded His disciples of His authority. After all, what can be achieved apart from following His directives? In the hurry-scurry moments leading up to an event, reminding your team of God’s authority will promote reliance on His direction and power.
Jesus also told them to go — with intent and purpose. As a result, we should encourage others to go about their duties while availing themselves of God’s greater purpose to make disciples. In other words, in addition to fulfilling assigned tasks, they are to be anticipating divine appointments to share Christ’s love, grace and truth.
Jesus also tells us the types of people we are to influence – those from every nationality; ones who aren’t yet following Him; and Christ-followers who need to be taught to obey all of God’s instructions. Here are some examples of pre-event remarks we can use to carry out Jesus’ intent:
“God may place in your path someone who has never been introduced to Jesus.”
“Perhaps you’ll have an opportunity to encourage a fellow believer in their faith.”
“Be prayerful concerning each encounter and dependent on God to meet each need.”
Jesus affirmed He would be with them. The Lord knows that we can be tempted, especially in ministry, to become overwhelmed. How precious of Him to remind His disciples of His continual presence. As leaders, we can greatly encourage His people by recalling Jesus’ desire to be involved in every aspect of our lives and His promise to walk with us.
Last-minute comments can have a powerful influence. When you use words based on truth, they can nurture a person’s faith and remain at work long after the conversation has come to a close (Isaiah 55:10-11).
→ Learn more about following Jesus’ example of leadership in this article Carla recently wrote for members of womensministry.net. Not a member yet? Learn more here.
BONUS: Leave a comment sharing how this tip has encouraged or inspired you and be entered to win a copy of Carla’s newest book, Making Disciples: Applying Truth in Daily Living. Winner will be randomly selected from comments left by June 29, 2016.
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