April 24, 2020

Why do we, as Christians, care?  Why do we care so deeply about what our loved ones believe, and how they live? Why do we want our co-workers to turn to Jesus Christ, and our neighbors to see the light of the Gospel in our lives? Why is this so urgent in us? Why are we praying that out of the current international distress, many souls all around the globe may turn to Christ?

There are so many other pressing needs and distractions that can drown out the essential reason why we love and care about those around us. Remember dear saints, there’s a clear goal and it’s in sight: Standing before Jesus in heaven one day, surrounded by a multitude of those who likewise placed their trust in him – and then ruling and reigning under Him in a righteous Kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth!

So why do we bother and face the hostility, the rejection, and in some places the persecution of non-Christians? Why do we fervently call out to God in prayer for those who have said no to our Savior and to the gospel?

 
We do it because of Eternity.

Eternity is waiting for you and me, as well as every single living man, woman, boy, and girl. No one will avoid it.  All will go to one of two places forever. And Jesus said he was the only way to God the Father.

Jesus also said “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Mk. 8:36). He spoke of an eternal reward awaiting the righteous, and eternal judgment awaiting the unrighteous.

Consider what some of the other writers of the New Testament had to say about eternity.

Paul: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” (II Cor 5:10-11)

James: “If anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death.” (James 5:19-20)

Peter: “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear”. (I Pet. 3:15)

Jude: “Have mercy on those who doubt; and save others by snatching them out of the fire.” (Jude 22-23)

 And to John was given the great revelation of Heaven and Hell. It is especially these words that motivate so many of us to care and to go beyond our comfort zone.

 “I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done… Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:12, 14-15)

Wow! And to think, that you and I can play a part in saving souls from spending an eternity in that Lake of Fire. That’s why we care! That’s why we go, that’s why we send, that’s why we support missions, and that’s why we speak about Jesus to those around us who may not want to hear. Because one day, they will. And one day, it will be too late. 

That’s why we, as Christians, care. The love of God compels us and the fear of God emboldens us as we see the judgment of this world drawing close. Stay focused on Jesus and His great commission, for the reward of worshiping at His feet with all the redeemed is just ahead!

Charles Burks