I recently watched a video testimony of a young lady who attended our Church for the last few years. She was invited by her sister, who was such a blessing to our congregation. The lady’s infectious smile and love for people made her seem to have it all together. She soon joined the choir and blessed us as she glorified GOD. She brought her children, who fit right into our family. Her daughter also shared her singing gift. Surely this strong Christian family was another congregation’s loss and our gain?
Little did I know that when she came to our Church, she was coming back to the LORD. Like her sister, she was raised in a Christian home and grew up in Church, singing for the LORD. As many young people do, she rebelled, and then left the Church. Years of living without GOD hurt everyone she knew and loved. Running from GOD left her broken and bound. Fortunately her parents had trained up a child in the way she should go (Prov 22:6) so she knew where to find healing and deliverance. She had left GOD, but He hadn’t left her. GOD used her sister and the HOLY SPIRIT to call her back home and she chose life with JESUS rather than death without Him.
So if life with GOD is so great, why do so many people live without Him? JESUS said “wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Mat 7:13 KJV). The road to destruction is easy to follow because you don’t have to do anything to go that way. The gate is wide and it’s easy to find and popular, just follow the crowd. Satan knows his business and has deceived the masses for centuries. He lets them have it their own way until they are hooked, addicted, or full of anger, bitterness and hatred. Once they are bound by sin, they become slaves in his kingdom of darkness.
Another reason people live without JESUS is because “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Mat 7:14 KJV). People don’t want to give up their “freedom” not knowing “If the Son sets you free you are free indeed” (John 8:36). No it isn’t easy and you may have to make some sacrifices, but they can’t compare with what you will gain, in this life and for all eternity! “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). GOD loves us and wants us to be with Him forever!
So how can we share the Good News with the world? The biggest reason people choose to live with or without JESUS is what they see in people. Take the joy that is in your heart outside the Church to a lost and dying world and let your light shine. Don’t condemn them for what they did wrong, but show them love like GOD has shown to you. Plant some seeds and let the HOLY SPIRIT draw them to the life that is found only in JESUS CHRIST! Choose life with JESUS! You won’t regret it!
Wayne Lance (2020)