As Jesus was making his final departure from his followers 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”(Mt 28:19-20) Looking back from the 21st Century we can see that his command had a profound effect on our world. While the history of Christianity includes many struggles and failures, Christians have often led the way in efforts to create an advanced civilization.
Try to imagine if you can what our world would be like if all the influence that Christianity has had on humankind was removed. I think it would be very primitive. There would be no churches in the towns and cities of the world advocating for the sick and poor. There would be no one to tell us of God’s grace so everyone would have to fight for their right to live. Stealing and killing would occur more frequently. Instead of the seven day cycle of rest and inspiration, every day would be the same.
It is naive to think that we Christians have all the answers. We don’t. So we must continue to learn from our Bibles and God’s work in the world around us and share what we have learned with others. There are still pockets of conflict on Earth and aid is required for those who are ill or living in poverty. There is much work for Christ’s Team.
Robert C. Frank
