As I worked my way through Acts I was reminded of a time-management seminar I once attended. I thought I would learn some ways to be more organized and effective. I thought I would leave with some tools that I could use to better order my time at work.
Instead, the first thing our leader did was to have each of us write our personal mission statement. He explained that until a person has a sense of who they are and what they have been called to do and be, time can never really be effectively utilized. "Time is the most important commodity that anyone has," the leader said. "But you'll never manage your time wisely until you have defined how and where you are to spend your time."
It strikes me that the Apostles did not need a time-management seminar to put down their personal mission statement. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, they knew exactly how and where they were to invest their time. Chapter five, verse 42 says it all: Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Christ's followers received their marching orders at Bethany from the Savior Himself - Go and make disciples of all nations. Fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit, they witnessed to the truth of Jesus' resurrection and salvation to whomever - unbelieving Pharisees and the curious citizens of Jerusalem. Later on, when severe persecution came upon them, Christ's disciples continued to speak boldly the good news that had changed their lives. Stephen's testimony in chapters six and seven is amazing and powerful.
With God's help, may we be as focused on our mission as were the first disciples of the Lord. We've got good news to share!
