Recently Prince Harry rocked the Royal Family of England. He has “stepped back” from his royal duties. There are two very different ways to view his actions. View 1) Prince Harry is free to live his own life however he chooses, we all need to respect his decision. (which is very true)
View 2) Prince Harry has embarrassed the Royal Family. He also has forfeited his opportunity to represent England around the world, and use his massive influence as a member of the Royal Family to endorse causes for the good of others. A middle of the road view is Prince Harry can continue to use his influence, — but on his own terms.
In a very real sense, every believer in Christ faces the same decision. For starters, we need to come to understand our true identity. We have been adopted into the Royal Family of God, with all the privileges of an adult son. (Rom 8:15-17; Gal 3:26-27; 4:4-7)
With that identity comes a role, “royal duties” if you will. Every believer has the privilege to represent our King, the Lord Jesus Christ as an Ambassador in a foreign land. (2 Cor 5:20-21; Phil 3:20) I submit this is at the HEART of the issue of whether we become disciples who make disciples.
Our Heavenly Father is gracious, and He allows us to decide. Every believer has the option to take the path of Prince Harry. This is my life, I need to do what I think is best for me and my family. I want to live life on my own terms. I don’t really have time to make disciples of others.
OR
I am so grateful for what Jesus has done for me, I belong to Him, my passion is to please Him. Consider how Paul expressed it in Gal 2:20; “I am crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.”
To become a Disciple who Makes Disciples starts with a decision to Embrace Our Identity and Our Role as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ. May Paul’s prayer for the Colossian believers become our prayer: To walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work... (Col 1:10)