A recent survey conducted by the Barna Group asked “Practicing Christian Millennials” (people born between 1981-1996 or to say it this way, 23 to 38 year old’s) if they knew what the “Great Commission” was. The results were shocking. Only 10% of these “Practicing Christian Millennials” knew what the Great Commission was.
The great commission is recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 and it says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
In addition to this revelation, 47% (nearly half) of these “Practicing Christian Millennials” believe it’s wrong to evangelize. Imagine that! Not only do 90% of these people not know what the Great Commission is, but nearly half of them believe it’s wrong to do it!
Now, before I shake my head and cluck my tongue, I need to ask myself this question: “Which is worse, not knowing what the Great Commission is or knowing what it is and not obeying it?”
See, while these Millennials make themselves an easy mark, I may not have much room to act too shocked. Am I any better off if I know what the Great Commission is but refuse to obey it? With how many people have I shared the faith in the last six months? While these Millennials believe it’s wrong to evangelize, could it be that I believe it’s right but just refuse to do it?
With knowledge comes responsibility (Luke 12:48). Knowing the truth doesn’t give me any “bragging rights” (James 1:21). I must practice what I know.
So, how about you? Would you have been able to identify the Great Commission? If so, great! But maybe a more important question is how you would answer this, “If you know what the Great Commission is, have you obeyed it in the last six months?”
Since we believe, therefore we speak (2 Corinthians 4:13).
