There is an old saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink” that is hard to understand. If you offer a horse what he desperately needs, why wouldn’t he take it? We use that saying too often because people don’t always accept what is good for them.
My wife places a high value on education. She is from the Philippines, where a college degree can be the difference between success and poverty. She put her money where priorities are by helping her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews attend college, or at least tried to. We didn’t have a lot of money, but she knew they needed an education to succeed. Her plan was proven because those who got their degree succeeded and the ones who didn’t are struggling.
We sacrificed to put our daughter through college and when anything seemed to get in the way of that goal, Susan got very upset. My daughter’s education helped her get a job and eventually teach in the Christian School she once attended. It also comes in handy while helping our grandchildren with their studies and she set a good example for them to follow.
Susan (aka Grandma) hasn’t lost her zeal for education, and constantly reminds our grandchildren to study hard, so they can go to college and get a good job. Their lack of enthusiasm frustrates her, because she knows it will help them have a better life. She is willing to sacrifice to make it happen, but she can’t make them study harder. My grandson has other priorities and knows people he considers successful, who don’t have a degree. His Dad didn’t attend college, but he wants his son to have that advantage. Even with all that support, we will have to wait and see if my grandson accepts this valuable offer.
That pattern is similar when it comes to Church. People attend when they feel like it, and if nothing more important comes up. Yes, some people must work, they get sick, and certainly have other commitments, but shouldn’t GOD get a higher priority? With the world falling apart before our eyes, we should be in every service we can and support the ministries of our local Church. The Church is essential when we are in need, and we are essential for the Church to thrive. The Church is there for you, but will you show up?
The same goes for people and salvation. “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), but “broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in” Mat 7:13 KJV). How can that be? GOD “so loved” us and sacrificed so much to make a way of escape, but most people will end up in Hell! The reason is “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Mat 17:14 KJV). Even “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)” (John 1:14 KJV), people still must accept Him! If they don’t, they are following “the thief” who “cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10 KJV) and eternal destruction awaits! Even though JESUS died on a cruel cross to pay for your sins, you must accept Him! Will you?
Wayne Lance – That’s Good News to Share!