Being born into a Christian family, like I was, plants you right in the middle of a grand story. But sometimes, it feels a bit like being a soldier who’s forgotten why he’s on the battlefield.
Picture this: You wake up amidst chaos. Explosions. Danger all around. And there you are, handed not just a weapon, but a mission. Except, the mission’s details are fuzzy, lost in the fog of war.
That’s the childhood of many who grow up in the church. Not brought in from the outside, but raised from birth in the midst of this spiritual struggle. A Bible in hand, yes. But with questions swirling. What’s this all about? What am I fighting for?
It’s a disorienting way to start. And it’s not the way we’re meant to live our faith.
Understanding the mission changes everything.
I can sincerely state that understanding the grand narrative of scripture, who we are, what we were made for, and what we are fighting for, has had the most significant impact on my faith. This comprehension was not instantaneous, but rather a gradual process of growth. It is an experience I deeply desire for every young Christian under my guidance to have.
It moves us from confusion to clarity, from aimlessness to purpose.
When you peel away the layers of your life — your job, your studies, your various roles — what’s at the core? Do you see yourself as a disciple maker? Is that the mission that defines you?
Because beyond the careers and the daily tasks, there’s a calling that’s been placed on each of our lives. A calling to follow. To learn. To engage in the work God is doing in the world.
It’s not about being defined by what you do from nine to five. Or by just the roles you play in your family or your community. It’s about seeing yourself through the lens of what God says about you.
You’re a disciple. A follower. Someone called to make a difference. To participate in something divine. Something eternal.
That’s the invitation. That’s the journey.
What are we truly fighting for?
For those of us raised in the church, this is our call to awaken from the amnesia of a faith inherited, rather than chosen. To realize that being a Christian isn’t just about being born into a family with a certain set of beliefs, but about making a deliberate, daily decision to follow Jesus and embody His teachings.
If you’d like to know more about the idea of calling, especially our calling to make disciples, give this podcast episode from our show the GoodLion podcast a listen!
Famous Last Words: Evanglism is for Everyone
The Challenge
Here’s the challenge I lay before you:
Live this month as if ‘disciple maker’ is your primary identity.
Before you’re a barista, a student, a construction worker, or whatever it is you do from 9 to 5 — remember, you are a disciple of Jesus. And with that identity comes the calling to participate in God’s mission in this world.
So, what does that look like in practical terms? Here are a few ideas:
- Start Each Day with Intent: Spend a few moments each morning asking God how you can be a disciple maker in your day-to-day activities.
- Engage Meaningfully: Whether it’s with coworkers, friends, or even strangers, look for opportunities to share the love and wisdom of Jesus in your interactions.
- Reflect and Adjust: End each day with a brief reflection. Ask yourself, “How did I embody my identity as a disciple maker today?”
Soldiers with Amnesia: The Challenge For Those Born Into a Christian Home was originally published in GoodLion Theology on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
