Bonhoeffer writes that “Faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience”. For Bonhoeffer, faith and obedience are inextricably intertwined. When Jesus first calls his disciples he doesn’t ask ‘Do you believe in me?’ Instead, he calls them to follow him.
The gospel of Jesus is a communal gospel- a wonderful message of hope and transformation, not only for persons, but for people. You have now not only a divine relationship with God, but a divine relationship with your brothers and sisters around the world. The gospel not only transforms your heart, but transforms the community around you.
How should you love the world? Which action should you take? Just like there are different body parts, there are many different roles within the church. If you’ve ever been to the exhibition space at a major Christian conference, you’ll know that there’s an ocean of organisations eager to sign you up for their mission, and it’s easy to end up feeling drowned with options.