09/06/18 Recalled. Laying in my London bed.
As I lay here thinking at 3:55am, I understand the disbelief that is in the world by those who see the hypocrisy of all who claim Christ, this a charge against self.
I could talk about many things here, but my focus these last few minutes, while hearing the sirens and watching the blue lights of London ambulances speed by, has been on the doctrine of {eternity}.
What we say with our words, aligning with the Text, is that all men and women have souls, and those souls spend eternity in Heaven or in Hell. And this depends entirely on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the response thereof. Yet our lives say not so much at all.
Think on eternity. To call it a “long-time” is quite the understatement. It’s like calling the Holocaust a “bad thing” or saying Hell sounds “unpleasant.” It’s like remarking that someone’s full, deep, and genuine heart-felt, will-committed affection for their love is “cute.” It’s not entirely untrue, but it’s unbefitting, inadequate.
Think of eternity, truly.
Christian, why have you never visited the dying? Why don’t you have a regular visiting time at the local nursing home? Is it that awful smell that keeps you away?
Christian, why don’t you know well the hospital halls, each week, or the visiting hours at a nearby hospice? Oh, you stay quite busy with work these days?
Christian, when have you wept for the lost still-living, well breathing, anyways? No tears for the hellbound? Oh, you’ve built an image that says you’re too tough to cry, and convinced yourself it is so?
Christian, why have you no involvement beyond that of necessity with your coworkers, your fellow gas-pumpers, your banker, your check-out attendant, your bus driver, your mailman, the person on the park bench across the way? You don’t know them? It may be awkward? You have somewhere to be? They may ask you a tough question?
Christian, why have you intentionally avoided your neighbors? You heard they were unfriendly? Once upon a time they did this or that to you? They aren’t good at holding conversation and you’re tired after work?
Christian, why does the nursery and children’s programming and ministry of youth always lack adult men, yet Sunday morning attendees, hand-shakers and seat-fillers, are plentiful?
Christian, what of those far off, out of reach, in hard places? Someone else should go? And should find a way to send themselves while they’re at it?
Christian, does your faith mean anything to you at all? Do we believe what we claim to believe? If so, things ought to change today. Right now. My heart, your heart. My actions, your actions. Our consideration for humanity, for the image-bearers we intersect all throughout the day. So many don’t know Jesus, see God but don’t recognize Him as such. Souls matter.
Our low-level view of eternity, or disregard of thought on the subject altogether, allows us to maintain a high view of this present age in which we constantly idolize self. The devil prefers this cultured norm, and he has not your best interest in mind.
Look to Jesus.
Follow Jesus.
Experience the Holy Spirit.
Walk in step with the Spirit.
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#LETMEINTRODUCEYOU 