[featured_image]Welcome to Day 5 as you Take the Missional Challenge!

Take the Missional Challenge is a 31 Day experience designed to help align believers with Jesus’ mission. Each day’s post includes missional concepts and activities. For more information – click here.

In December 2005, I preached a final message in a series on Disciplemaking. It focused on the importance of obedience to Jesus. As I preached, I realized that the words that I was saying were intended for me to hear. God was speaking directly to me.

In the middle of my sermon I knew that I needed to obey Jesus completely. I knew that obeying Jesus meant that I would have to resign from pastoring the church that we had planted in 1990 to pursue God’s calling for my life. I didn’t announce my resignation right there on the spot (thankfully I took the time to discuss it further with my wife). But, four days later I met with my elders to let them know that in obedience to Jesus I was going to resign.

Obeying Jesus was the scariest and safest step for me to take as a Christian. Only an obedient Christian enjoys the blessing and favor of God.

As you seek to align your life with Jesus’ mission – you have to commit yourself to obey Jesus.

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)

DAY 5 ACTION STEP: Check your heart attitude.

Are you willing to obey Jesus?

In John 2, Jesus is at a wedding and they run out of wine. I love what Jesus’ mother says to the servants in verse 5: “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (NASB)

Are you willing to obey Jesus in whatever He says to you? Is that the attitude of your heart?

You can evaluate your heart by how quickly you obey. In Matthew 4, when Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow Him, it says in verse 20: “And they immediately left their nets, and followed Him.” Then He called James and John to follow Him, and verse 22 says, “And they immediately left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”

Consider the word immediately.

Delayed obedience is not obedience.

Are you willing to obey Jesus?

Are you ready to obey Jesus?

Jesus said to His disciples, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Day 5 Missional Challenge: Evaluate your willingness to obey Jesus in whatever He asks you to do. Make necessary adjustments to align with His mission.