Living Like There’s No Tomorrow
By Laura Bailey
“For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2 NIV
I’ll never forget where I was when I got the call my Uncle passed away—he was 32. I was 20 at the time, but when my 32nd birthday rolled around, the reality of the brevity of life hit me. If I had to guess, you probably have a story like this. Someone that died suddenly, taken ( in our opinion) too soon from this world. But the truth is, just as God knew when we would be born, he knows when we will die. Our death is not an accident, too soon, or a life cut short… no, God divinely appointed when our time on this earth will end.
So, we must ask ourselves, am I spending my time wisely? Am I implying that you should quit your job to be a missionary, stop everyone on the street from talking to them about Jesus, or even sell all your belongings, go on every mission trip, and support every ministry? Not at all. If we live intentionally, we increase the chances of conversations about who we get our hope, strength, and, ultimately, the path to salvation.
John MacArthur's comments on evangelism always come to mind: "Most people do not come to Christ as an immediate response to a sermon they hear in a crowded setting. They come to Christ because of the influence of an individual." So what can I do today to be an influence on others?
A Life That Points Others to Christ
A powerful way to reveal the regenerative, saving grace of Christ is to live out the Word of God. This means not checking in on Sundays, only to check out the rest of the week, but in "everything we do, eat, drink, do to the Glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our lives should look so radically different from those around us that it indeed begs the question, "What exactly do you have in your life that I am missing in mine?"
People are watching us, especially non-believers. Are we living in a way that testifies to a redeemed life? Does our everyday manner of acting and reacting point others toward a personal relationship with the Son of God (John 13:35)? Is our speech full of grace, yet seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)? God commands us to be holy and set-apart (1 Peter 2:9); yet, far too often, our lives are indistinguishable from the rest of the world.
Caring about the Individual
Although there isn't much written about the disciple Andrew, he invested in people, bringing them to Christ individually. It was Andrew who brought his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus; it was Andrew who presented the boy with the five loaves and two fishes to Jesus (John 6:9), and when a group of Greeks asked to see Jesus, it was Andrew who introduced them (John 12:20-22).
Many Christians assume they are excused from witnessing unless they have the ability of public speaking. Unlike Peter, there is no record of Andrew’s preaching to the masses or writing letters to be circulated. He witnessed and ministered mainly on an individual basis. The simple act of befriending one person could impact one life for eternity.
We are not responsible for who turns to Christ in faith and forgiveness of sins and who doesn't. However, we are responsible for telling others why God sent His son into the world to die. It’s the message that everyone needs to hear, but it isn’t always the easiest to share.
But friends, the world, our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors need to hear that God loves them. They need the reminder that there is more to life--infinitely more. The solution to their pain isn’t found in a paycheck, the bottom of a bottle, on the scale, or wherever else they look to find comfort and peace. Share with them the peace that only Christ can give and the eternal hope of salvation. Don’t delay; there may not be a tomorrow.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Today, ask, “Am I taking every opportunity to share the gospel?” Write down a few names of people who you know need to hear the Good News. Pray over these names, and ask the Lord to help you share the message of salvation with them.
Further Reading:
Romans 10:14-15
How to Evangelize: A Generational Breakdown
Photo credit: ©Pexels/Jonathan Petersson
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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