When we talk about investing we usually are talking about ways to utilize our financial resources. We invest in stocks or bonds, precious metals, real estate, the list could go on. Investing is a wise idea because it allows us to be good stewards of the money the Lord has given to us.

Sound financial investing is a biblical idea and so is the wise investment of your time. In fact, time is the most valuable resource we have. Many are consumed with sports, Hollywood, the internet, or any number of things. I understand the lure of all of these but as a Christ-follower I want the things I invest my time in to outlast me. This means investing in people and seeing the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Spend your time telling everyone in the world about Jesus and making disciples of all nations.

We must remember that it is impossible to separate “tell the world about Jesus” and “make disciples of all nations.” The two concepts go hand-in-hand. Our task is not only to tell everyone about Jesus but to invest in the lives of others in order to make disciples.

To this end I have developed my personal mission statement. I want to influence and invest in others to win the world to Christ. While you do not need the exact wording, let me challenge you to make the idea behind this part of your personal mission statement. The Great Commission is far bigger than any individual. Each of us can influence and invest in others who will be able to do more for the Kingdom than we ever could individually.

When we make financial investments we expect our money to grow. Why should we treat our time any differently? When you invest in others you are preparing them to do the same. Teaching people about Jesus will lead to mature disciples who, in turn, make new disciples. The concept of multiplying disciples is at the heart of the Great Commission. Invest in the lives of others, who invest in others, who invest in others until we have made disciples of all nations.

Who are you investing your time in, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:20)? Who could you influence to make a difference for the Kingdom? Whose name just popped into your head? Is it the new couple in your small group at church? Is it that young Christian you work with? Maybe your next door neighbor? Or a new acquaintance you met at a recent social event? Investing in the Great Commission means committing time to that person and helping him or her become a mature Christ-follower who will then invest in others. Doing this will yield an eternal return. Now that’s investing in what will outlive you!

Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie Floyd

We are all familiar with the term “refund policy.” If you buy an item from a retail store and decide you don’t want it, you can return it within a certain period of time to get your money back. No harm, no foul. We also are familiar with the phrase, “all sales final.” This means once you buy the item there is no going back. We have spent that money and it is gone forever.

Let me encourage you to view your time in this second way. Time is a currency that must be spent and has no return policy. Whether we realize it or not we spend that currency on every moment that passes. In fact, choosing not to spend is itself a way of spending it. So the question is, what are you spending it on? Ultimately, we can only buy one of two things: Trash or Treasure. Trash fades away. Treasure lasts forever.

That’s why I challenge every Christ-follower to give your precious resource of time to that which is eternal. Jesus’ final words before ascending into heaven give us a clear standard for how we are to spend our time. His command is simple, “Go.” His instructions are clear, “make disciples of all nations.” Every follower of Jesus Christ can and should be active in carrying out the Great Commission. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are or what your profession is you can give your time to God and He will make it treasured.

Here are some ideas to help you become a more treasure oriented Christ-follower that has the Great Commission as the central focus of your life:

1. Make the Great Commission top priority in all your decision-making.
• Whether it’s a decision about your career, a relationship, or something relatively minor consider how each decision will help you in the Great Commission. Be so intentional about taking Christ to the world and making disciples of all nations that it affects every decision you make.

2. Continually assess your circumstance to find the treasure opportunities.
• Evaluate every situation you find yourself in. Constantly ask yourself, “How can I most effectively share Christ and make disciples right now?” I promise you, the opportunities are there. Just ask God to show them to you.

3. Find ways to use your unique gift set to fulfill the Great Commission.
• Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 9:37, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” There is so much to be done for the kingdom of heaven and each of us has a special role. God has blessed you with a unique gift set unlike anyone else’s. Discover what you are good at and find creative ways to use those gifts to help fulfill the Great Commission.

Researchers estimate there are 3 human beings born every second. That means 180 people come into this world every minute. Two-thirds of them will have no realistic chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. These staggering numbers tell us that today alone there will be more than 170,000 people added to earth’s population who are likely to never hear the message of the gospel.

The Great Commission really is a simple concept: Tell every person in the world about Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations. I am committed to seeing the Great Commission fulfilled. What a day it will be when these horrifying numbers change because the gospel has gone to all ends of the earth and the good news has been shared with every people group! That’s why I was thrilled when Thomas Nelson Publishers asked me to write a book on the Great Commission. Even more exciting was the fact that their desire was not for a book that was theoretical, but for one that was action driven. I wrote this book to help lay people and church leaders understand what it would take to fulfill the Great Commission.

This book can be a game changer for any Christ-follower as well as those in Christian leadership roles. I believe if pastors, staff members, and the top two tiers of a church’s lay leadership team will read it, it will move the Great Commission to the top of our priority list. Our Last Great Hope will reorient our thinking, enrich our vision, and change our conversations. This book would be a strong and highly beneficial investment for any church to make in its leaders and members. If conversation in our churches does not move to the Great Commission, spiritual life, awakening, and vitality will not occur.

What is so Special About ‘Our Last Great Hope’?

This book is unique in that is not about the Great Commission but a book on how to accomplish the Great Commission. Not only does it call people to action, but also gives them specific, practical steps they can take personally, in their families, and in their churches to advance the gospel.

It helps make the Great Commission personal for each and every Christ-follower. It provides helpful instructions on transforming your family, making the Great Commission a central focus in your home.

The book captures the sense of urgency with which all Christ-followers ought to obey the Great Commission. It is likely that in the time it has taken you to read these few short paragraphs more than 200 people have been born who will live their entire lives and never hear the name of Jesus. Now is the time for Christ’s church to mobilize and fulfill the Great Commission. It is our last great hope.

Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie Floyd