It feels like a trance. I can feel myself fight against the oppressive sleep. Returning home, I struggle to keep alive the images that were radically imprinted in mind. The sights and stories I experienced in South India tell of a community enslaved by poverty and ancient superstitions. As I think of my homeland, unrest stirs deep within me.

I am restless because I know that millions are on a course to an eternal hell, and we, as the church, have been easily hypnotized with petty matters. On my flight home, I scrolled through a number of social media sites to find that many are passionately consumed about a myriad of causes. These causes, in the end, will matter little in eternity. A simple click here and a comment there is the sum of actions that most will contribute. In seeing this, I am urged to question the authenticity of my walk with Jesus.

I wonder if I am distracted with trivial topics in hopes of avoiding the daily call of following Jesus. Maybe it’s easier to applaud a fight rather than engage in a literal battle for the souls of people. What am I truly doing to impact lives for eternity? Am I engaging Heaven for reasons other than my own benefit? Am I raising up others to extend the work of salvation far after my days have ended?

Jesus commissioned His disciples to live, demonstrating God’s miraculous power for the purpose of transforming lives. Jesus gave His disciples, “Power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.” Christ followed His directive with a command saying, “as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:7-8)

If these verses speak of the life-indicators that Christ’s disciples should possess, then are we giving proof of His transformation in us? I am not writing to promote self-condemnation, but we must carefully consider our life’s effectiveness. Are we living a Christianity tempered to our preferences, or are we living the life Jesus died to diffuse through us?

It is easy to be passionate about everything, yet lack the discipline to do anything. It’s easier to get caught up in what color the moon is on a certain night rather than pray and reach those trapped in darkness every night. It’s easier to hashtag a cause and live embittered against perceived injustice rather than aid those victimized by poverty. It’s easier to get lost in the political circus of what a candidate says or doesn’t say rather than minister the good news of salvation to those who are searching. It’s easier to emotionally engage with causes that have no eternal value rather than daily take up the cross of self-sacrifice and follow Jesus.

We cannot ignore the simple commission laid upon us. We are called to preach His gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, and set free the captives. If this isn’t happening, then what is happening is disobedience to the One who redeemed us. It is time we wake ourselves. Snap out of the drowsy nodding from one dramatic issue to another and do something that will alter eternity for someone.