“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” (Mt. 28:19)

Several years ago, our family traveled to Lee’s Summit, Missouri to celebrate the 100^th birthday of my wife’s mother, Mary Louise.  We had a wonderful celebration, with all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to honor her life.  From teaching eight grades in a one room country schoolhouse in the 1930’s to taking care of elderly parents and other relatives until she was in her 80’s, her life was a witness to a deep faith in God filled with love and service to others.

Although her later years were confined to an assisted living home, she had not forgotten the words of Jesus in the Great Commission in terms of reaching out to people and inviting them to church. 

During our many conversations she mentioned that she had invited her friends Millie and Dodie to start attending church services that were held every Sunday at the home.  “Dodie had not been to church in 50 years,” she said.  “And Millie had not been for a long time either, but I got them going with me each week now.”  “I try to help them understand what the Bible says and means when I get the chance.”

Isaiah 49:6 says, “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”  At age 100, Mary Louise was still being a light to the people God put in her life.  She was still being faithful to God’s plan of working through us to be his presence and bring his presence to the people and circumstances in her life.  At 103, Mary Louise passed on from this life, but she never stopped sharing her faith.

In these days of division and political correctness, it may be tempting to forgo opportunities to talk about our Christian faith with someone who is not Christian or a practicing Christian.  Yet, we are familiar with the Great Commission that Jesus gave to his disciples and followers stated above.

Are you sharing your faith with the people in your life?