Go

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

When Jesus spoke these words, He handed His followers the greatest assignment ever given — not just to believe the gospel, but to bring it. The Great Commission wasn’t a suggestion for the spiritual elite; it was a command for every believer.

Acts 17:6 later described the impact of those who obeyed: “These who have turned the world upside down have come here also.” Those early disciples didn’t have buildings, titles, or technology — but they had something far greater: the power of the Holy Spirit and the courage to go.

We’re All Called to “Go”

Paul taught that the Church is one body with many parts. Every believer has a unique role and spiritual gift. Some preach, others serve, encourage, give, or lead — but all contribute to the same mission.
You don’t need a pulpit to make a difference. You only need to recognize that you are the Church — God’s hands and voice wherever you go.

“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4

When you use your gift for God’s glory, you’re already “going.” Whether that’s mentoring a student, serving the poor, or encouraging a friend — heaven moves through ordinary people doing Spirit-empowered things.

The Great Commission Requires Action

Jesus didn’t say “Learn what I taught.” He said “Teach them to observe.” The word observe means to practice, to live out.
James echoes this when he says, “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.”
Faith is not complete until it moves. Hearing inspires us — but doing transforms the world.

Every time you forgive, serve, or share the gospel, you’re putting your faith in motion. The early disciples didn’t just study Jesus’ words; they obeyed them — and that obedience changed history.

God Never Calls Without Equipping

Rick Warren once wrote in The Purpose Driven Life, “You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it.”[1]
God doesn’t send unprepared people; He shapes and equips them through their experiences, gifts, and relationships. When Jesus said, “Go,” He also promised, “I am with you always.” His presence is the provision.
Wherever you go, He goes. Whatever you lack, He supplies. The Great Commission is not powered by our ability but by His authority.

“Go” in Wisdom

Wisdom is the companion of obedience. Jesus said we are to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Going in wisdom means representing Christ with discernment, humility, and love — understanding when to speak, when to listen, and how to build bridges instead of barriers.

Paul wrote, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…” (Colossians 4:5–6).
When we “go” in wisdom, we reflect God’s character — truth with grace, conviction with compassion. Wisdom turns confrontation into conversation and offense into opportunity.

True wisdom doesn’t dilute the gospel; it delivers it effectively. The world doesn’t need louder Christians — it needs wiser ones who live the truth with integrity.

“Go” Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Before Jesus sent His followers out, He told them to wait — not for strategy, not for resources, but for power.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” — Acts 1:8

The disciples couldn’t fulfill the Great Commission without the Holy Spirit, and neither can we. It was at Pentecost that fearful men became bold witnesses, and their message spread like wildfire.

The Spirit empowers us not only with courage but with compassion, discernment, and supernatural effectiveness. He convicts hearts, gives words at the right moment, and works through our obedience. When we go in His power, lives are changed not because of our strength but because of His presence.

Every great movement of God begins with Spirit-filled believers who decide to step out in faith. We don’t turn the world upside down by force or talent — we do it by being full of the Spirit and obedient to His lead.

Upside Down Right Where You Are

We often think “going” means moving to another country, but the mission starts right here — at home, at work, in our city. The early believers went everywhere preaching the Word, and the world noticed because their faith was visible.

To live on mission is to bring Jesus into every conversation, every decision, and every act of compassion. The question is not “Will someone go?” but “Will I go?”

Practical Ways to “Go” and Turn Your World Upside Down

1.    Share your story. Tell someone how Jesus changed your life. Your testimony has power.

2.    Serve consistently. Volunteer in your church or community — love in action opens hearts to truth.

3.    Disciple someone. Walk with a new believer, teaching them what you’ve learned.

4.    Pray for your mission field. Your workplace, neighborhood, and family are fertile ground for God’s work.

5.    Live visibly. Let your faith shape your choices, integrity, and words so others see Christ in you.

6.    Give generously. Support the mission of the Church — your giving sends others where you can’t go.

7.    Encourage boldly. Speak life to those around you; your words can redirect someone’s eternity.

8.    Go wisely. Be thoughtful in how you engage — let love and discernment lead.

9.    Go prayerfully. Don’t move without His guidance; ask the Holy Spirit to go before you.

10. Go expectantly. Believe that God can use even the smallest act of obedience to change a life.

When we do these things, we join a movement that began two thousand years ago — a movement that’s still turning the world upside down through people who take Jesus at His word.

Reflection

Where is Jesus calling you to “go”? What gifts has He placed in your hands that the world needs to see? Remember — wisdom guides you, the Holy Spirit empowers you, and God’s power works through your obedience.

So go.
Live the Word.
Do the work.
And watch God use your life to turn the world upside down.

[1] Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 227.