The Great Why of God

Every single one of us asks this question: "What on earth am I here for?". The Westminster Shorter Catechism sheds light by answering it this way, "to glorify God and enjoy him forever". This is what David Platt wrestles with in chapter 4. We all enjoy hearing that God loves us, but as Platt says many of us stop there. We make ourselves the end to the means of the gospel. Yet, as Platt, points out, we are the not point of the gospel. God is. "God loves me so that I might make him - his ways, his salvation, his glory, and his greatness - known among all nations." We are here on earth the be loved by God and share that love with the world. I am guilty of hoarding the gospel to myself. Many times I am content just enjoying God, but I can't stop there. I must get off the couch and share the good news with everyone around me.

In three days I am moving to New Orleans to attend seminary. While there, I hope to learn how to properly teach God's Word. Yet, I also hope to learn how to more effectively share the gospel to all people. After reading this chapter I have become convicted because I have, as he says in the book, thought that God has given me a heart for America. Yet, as good as that sounds I only have a heart for 5% of the world. I am commanded in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples of all nations. So my question for thought today is: How do we, as Christians, make disciples of all nations where we are at? Is it just going on mission trips? Is it just giving money to mission funds like Annie Armstrong and Lottie Moon? Or is there something more that we should be doing?

I want to end with the lyrics from a song that I wrote a few years ago that explains perfectly what was talked about in chapter 4 titled "You've Told Me to Go!":

I stand here before you broken and afraid

to share your love with people who don't even know your name.

People whom everyday I look past and walk by

I tell myself that I'm too busy and I don't have the time...

To talk to them and share your name

Declare your glory and fame

But you've told me to go, go and share your love

with people who don't know you and tell them that you're enough

You've told me to go, all around the world

Go and be blessing to every man, woman, boy and girl

You've told me to go!

Sometimes I'm fearful and I admit I don't know why

fear doesn't come from you Lord, it's my enemy telling me lies

I may not always understand why you want me and how I'm of use

But I know that you have called me and there is no excuse

Not to talk to them and share your name

Declare your glory and fame

But you've told me to go, go and share your love

with people who don't know you and tell them that you're enough

You've told me to go, all around the world

Go and be blessing to every man, woman, boy and girl

You've told me to go!