We live in very urgent times and the great task of sharing our faith with many who have not heard still lies before us. Many followers of Christ do not sense this priority, but for those who do, for those who have a heart for God and for the souls that He yearns to have in His fellowship, and for those who want to be obedient to His call, here are seven important thoughts about the Great Commission:

1) It’s not you who does the work of salvation, so don’t take the credit for it. Give the glory where it is due. “The ones who do the planting or watering aren’t important, but God is important because He is the One who makes the seeds grow” (1 Corinthians 3:7).

2) There are needs everywhere. No one place is more important than another, but some fields are ripe and ready now, waiting to be harvested. We must discern where these fields are, know God’s purpose for us individually, and go while the doors are open. “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:17). “All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the One who sent Me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end” (John 9:4).

3) You cannot do this in your own strength, ability and understanding. Partnership is vital. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one . . . Three are even better, for a for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” We need each other, and we need the Holy Spirit. “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about Me everywhere” (Acts 1:8).

4) Expect opposition. You are invading the enemy’s territory. He will fight back, but Jesus already have the victory. “Upon this rock I will build My church, and the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:18). “The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in this world” (1 John 4:4).

5) Check your heart. God wants obedience with a humble heart. Get rid of pride, bitterness and secret sins. Come to Him with a pure heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me … The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10 and 17).

6) Keep family first. Keep the priority of the altar in your home and don’t sacrifice it for the nations. Remember, the first worship was between a husband and wife – Adam and Eve. The first discipleship was between parents and children – Adam and Eve and their children. The first churches were in homes. I have always considered this one of the earliest and greatest commissions, given to Abraham and all of us: “I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord” (Genesis 18:19).

7) God will provide, but not always in the ways you think. We have seen the hand of God do many miracles to provide for the work of His kingdom. Most times, the provision did not come from where we would have sought or expected. God may test our faith and allow us to wait until the last hour, but He will always provide for the work of His hands, and for His glory. “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

All scripture references are from the New Living Translation.