Q:
“Do we care more for our own comfort than
for the eternal destiny of the lost?”
v Allena K., Akron, OH (Youth with a Mission)
A:
My lovely daughter, what a challenging question. Today’s modern society can be
summed up in the word “instant” when it comes to our own creature comforts.
As
a society we are impatient. We want our microwave dinners to cook in minutes;
ordering products from our own computer at home (in your pajamas) that promises
to deliver in a just a few days; communicating via text or e-mail that happens
immediately; or work deadlines that were due yesterday (now).
The
older one gets it becomes apparent that some things in life take time. Developing
a close friendship with a human, animal, or God can be an unhurried process.
Writing your thoughts down in a journal (or weblog) format can be a steady
practice that requires one to search deeply in their psyche for the answers to
their existence here on earth.
A
good marriage (between a very different man and woman) can take years to
develop into a perfect partnership as the result of a lifelong habit.
Luke
9:25 (MSG) asks a very interesting question that fits our discussion. How would
you answer it? “What good would it do to
get everything you want and lose you, the real you?” If you acquire all the
wealth and prestige in the world and don’t accept Jesus as your Savior, your
eternal destination will be Hell (see Salvation
by the Book and Scared to Death).
Does that sound like a wise decision to make about the afterlife?
Discussing
a topic like the above with a stranger can be a very sensitive, personal matter
for the recipient. For someone to discuss the destination of a person’s eternal
destiny with them, requires boldness in communication on the part of the male
(or female) delivering the salvation message. Personality-wise, some
individuals are too shy (even with lots of practice) to do such a daring task.
Others
don’t want to deal with confrontation that could result in spreading the good
news (to the intended recipient). Some individuals feel that someone else will
do this important job. The last group doesn’t know why they don’t witness, but
they have decided (for whatever reason) that this is something they have
absolutely no interest in.
Witnessing
does not have to be an organized event with many Christians involved. It can be
the testimony of how you live your life around those in your world. A carefully
spoken word or Bible verse can sometimes be the difference between Heaven and
Hell for someone’s eternal destination.
Being
a light in the midst of the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16) doesn’t require a
college degree. Something about your salvation story can touch the heart of
those you speak to. Just open your mouth, and allow your words to come out. I
promise God will use your effort for His glory. Give it a try. The prize will
far outweigh the effort you put into it.
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