It’s a simple verb. And it means exactly what we think it means: to move from one place to another.

While Jesus gave us plenty of things to do—repent (Matthew 4:17), believe (John 14:1); love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind (Matthew 22:37); love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39); take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24)—His parting words before ascending to the Father were emphatic and clear: “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).

Go!

We go because we love Him (John 14:15) and because we embrace God’s heart for a lost and dying world. We’ve been commissioned to go.

That’s the “why.” The “how” can be a little more nuanced. Does going have to mean leaving your family and home to travel halfway around the globe to live embedded with an unreached people group?

At the risk of starting an argument, I would suggest the answer is no. Let me explain.

While cross-cultural missionaries have been and continue to be essential in God’s mission to rescue mankind from sin, (and unreached people groups should remain a central focus), there are other roles to play in going.

First, those who head overseas need support. We can pray and give. Generously. As we do, we participate in the Great Commission. It’s a team effort.

Second, and just as importantly, going can and should be a daily activity for all of us—no matter our location or life situation. Each of us has been chosen and placed where we are “for such a time as this.” God has divine appointments lined up for us. He is constantly orchestrating situations and encounters to ensure our success in spreading the Gospel.

God may well be calling you to the Middle East or South Asia or to share the Good News in the jungles of the Amazon. If He is, awesome! Obey His voice, get some training, and pack those bags. But we also need to be prepared to be faithful where we are, boldly witnessing for Jesus at the office, at school, in our neighborhoods, at the grocery store...

Being an ambassador of Christ is a 24/7 job that has no borders, boundaries, or geographical constraints. 

We used to have a little sign that hung over the door to our garage. It read: “You are now entering the mission field.” It was a reminder that every time we step outside—whether in Toronto, Texas, or Thailand—we have the opportunity to join God on His mission.

Jesus told us to “move from one place to another,” making disciples. Let’s do it!

Go!