The Great Omission
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” - (James 4:17)
As we think of the closeness of eternity, we need to look at our opportunities and ask ourselves, “What am I doing with what God has given me to fulfill the Great Commission?
The Great Commission was not the Great Suggestion. In its original language, it is a command. Jesus said that we are to go and make disciples of all nations. He didn’t say, “If you can work it into your schedule, go and make disciples of all nations,” or “Only those of you who are called to evangelism are to go and make disciples of all nations. The rest of you are excused.”
No, this command has been given to all of us, not just evangelists and pastors and missionaries. It has been given to every follower of Jesus, including soccer moms, office workers, students, and construction workers.
The problem is that for many, the Great Commission has become the Great Omission. And if you are not seeking to fulfill the Great Commission, it can be a sin, because there are sins of commission and omission.
The sin of commission is doing what you should not do. James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
But the sin of omission is failing to obey God. And that is what happens when we fail to preach the gospel. It is failing to bring the only answer that can change people for time and eternity.
It is great to help people in physical need. Jesus said that when we help people in need, we do it for Him (see Matthew 25:40). But if we fail to bring them the gospel, then we have failed. Once we—and those we know—have entered into eternity, there are no other chances.
Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
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