When your mother tells you to “Take this pie next door to the neighbors,” you don’t have a choice about it, do you?
If your dad says, “Go clean your room,” he generally means it, right?
It would be a little different if your dad said, “Now, Susie, if you want to, would you go clean your room, please?” In that case you would have a choice. But if he simply says, “Go and do it,” you don’t have a choice. It would be an order.
Jesus told His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” He did not say, “Now, Peter, if you’ve got the time, would you mind going and preaching the gospel?”
He didn’t say, “Now, Mary, if you’re having a good hair day, could you possibly squeeze in some time to tell other people about me?” That’s not how He said it. He simply said, “Go!” It was an order – a command. He didn’t give us a choice.
Back in the Old Testament, God gave Moses a set of rules that we call the Ten Commandments. In them, He said things like, “Don’t steal. Don’t murder any one. Don’t gossip about your neighbors.” He didn’t give us a choice. That’s why we call them commandments.
Jesus feels the same way about us telling other people about Him. He feels very strongly about it. If you’re His disciple, He expects you to spread the good news.
When we win other people to Him, He expects us to teach them this same commandment, so that all of His people are continuously telling others about Jesus.
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Becky Fischer, apostolic minister, writer, public speaker, graphic artist, and more, is the founder and director of Kids in Ministry International (KIMI). KIMI is a multifaceted ministry that trains children to walk in the supernatural power of God. It also equips leaders and parents to prepare children the same way. Becky has been in children's ministry for over 30 years, ten years as a children's pastor, and twenty years as the director of KIMI. Along with her international teams, she has trained thousands of children, teens, parents, and children's workers through conferences, Bible schools, mission trips, churches, and resource materials in over 50 nations. Becky herself has ministered in 29 of those nations.
Becky is the author of the book "Redefining Children's Ministry" in the 21st Century, "Jesus Camp My Story," and four children's books. She has also authored/co-authored seventeen unique and dynamic children's church curriculums, many of which have been translated into more than fifteen different languages. Becky was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary film Jesus Camp in 2006.
Ms. Fischer has ministered in 29 nations and 26 US states. She was also in business management for 23 years before going into full-time ministry.