In today’s world, it is easy to fall into the trap of passive spectatorship when it comes to our faith. We go to church on Sundays, say our prayers at night, and maybe read Bible passages here and there. But is that enough? Are we truly living out our call as disciples of Christ?
Christianity is not a passive thing. Something to observe at a distance. It’s not simply a set of beliefs we hold in our hearts and minds, it’s a call to action. It’s a call to go out into the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. It’s a call to love our neighbors as ourselves, to serve those in need, and to be a shining light in the darkness.
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, is as relevant today as it was when Jesus first spoke these words to his disciples. Jesus did not imply that his instructions were only to be carried out by the eleven original remaining Apostles and Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot. He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This commandment still applies to us today. We are called to go out into our communities and beyond, sharing God’s love with everyone we meet.
But being an active Christian doesn’t just mean going out into the world; it also means taking an active role within our faith community. The Church Militant is a relevant concept from Christianity that reminds us that we are engaged in spiritual warfare against sin and evil forces in this world.
The Church Militant is a term used to describe the active, fighting body of believers who are engaged in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil – not against flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness that seek to pull us away from God’s love and truth (Ephesians 6:12). It means taking up our cross daily (Luke 9:23) and following Christ wholeheartedly. We must heed the call to be active participants in spreading the message of Christ and living out his teachings in our daily lives.
The idea behind Church Militant is not about physical violence or aggression but rather about being actively engaged in battling against things like injustice, poverty, hatred, greed, selfishness–anything that goes against God’s will for humanity. As Christians, we are called not only to resist these forces but also work towards overcoming them through love and service. We are called to be actively engaged in our faith, constantly striving to grow closer to God and bring others into his light.
So how can we become more active disciples? Here are a few ways:
- Engage in regular prayer: Prayer is essential for maintaining a strong connection with God. Each day, set aside time for prayer and meditation, asking God
for guidance and strength. - Study the Word: The Bible is full of wisdom and guidance for living a life that reflects Christ’s teachings. Many will say that the Bible is the only instruction manual one will ever need. After all, who better to instruct us than God, by His infallible, living word? Study scripture regularly and apply its lessons to your life.
- Stay connected with fellow believers. Surround yourself with other Christians who can support you on your journey of discipleship. Join a small group or find a mentor who can help guide you on your faith journey.
- Serve others: Look for opportunities within your community or church to serve those in need. Whether volunteering at a local shelter or simply being there for someone who needs support, serving others is an important aspect of being an active disciple. Strive to always practice kindness and generosity of spirit.
- Share your faith: Do not keep your faith hidden away, share it with others! Whether through conversations with friends or family members or acts of kindness towards strangers, let your light shine so that others may see God through you.
When we embrace this call to action within Christianity–both on an individual level by reaching out to others with God’s love on behalf of Christ; as well as through contributing efforts towards justice issues such as advocating for those who cannot speak up themselves – then together we become what St Paul calls “Church Triumphant”. The term “triumphant” comes from the Latin word triumphans, which means “exulting, rejoicing exceedingly”. The Church Triumphant is described as enjoying eternal happiness through union with God, surrounded by angels and saints, and rejoicing in the glory of God. The Church Triumphant is different from the “Church Militant”, which refers to Christians who are still on earth and fighting against the world, the flesh, and the devil.
So, let us take up this mantle! Let us be bold in sharing our faith with others! Let us be active participants within our faith communities! Let us fight against injustice wherever we see it! As Christians living out their calling here on earth – let’s strive for unity & charity while working towards bringing about Heaven on Earth one step at a time.
Let us not settle for passive spectatorship when it comes to our faith; instead, let us strive towards becoming active disciples who are fully committed to living out Christ’s call in our daily lives.
Let us Pray
Merciful Father, we ask you to inspire us daily to active discipleship. Move us from our inactivity. Cause us to become truly militant in our faith. Help us to inspire others to active Discipleship by our examples. We pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
Today, I have reached a milestone that I never thought I would reach, nor did I have any right to expect to have reached it, given my proclivity to not see all the repercussions my decisions might release and the downright recklessness of my actions. I survived because when I was young and dumb, my LORD was Faithful, Loving, Patient and oh so Forgiving. My God pulled my unworthy carcass from the fire more times than I am comfortable with. It is what he does for those whom He loves. There, before the Grace of God go I.
16” Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 ESV