Romans 12:16 says, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits” (KJV). This instructs believers to avoid arrogance and genuinely associate with ordinary people from all walks of life.
From my observation, “Church” has become something other than what the book of Acts describes. We don’t win souls; we want hands laid on us, we want “the anointing”, but we do nothing with it to the extent that even when the lost come to church—right to our doorstep—we are not concerned to welcome them or share the Gospel with them.
The pastoral, “care-for-me,” “pray-for-me,” “anoint-me” focus has created selfish Christians who think the Church is a place for them to “grocery shop” their needs. As long as true apostolic and evangelistic graces are not given voice and honor to equip the church, equally with the other three Ephesians 4:11 gifts, we will continue to raise a selfish people. There will be no extension of kingdom territory—only selfish Christians and the recycling of already saved members who fight kingdom expansion because they feel their safety and comfort are jeopardized by it.
Please remember, Matthew 28:18 is an apostolic mandate for the whole church. Moreover, if Matthew 24:14 is real, it’s time to balance the focus of the Church and how we do things. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14 NIV).
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV).