Click Here: Read Luke 6
““No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.” – Luke 6:43-44
One of the greatest opportunities you will have this year to evangelize is the next 3 weeks. This is the time of year when our eyes are focused on the real meaning of the season, the Christ child, the Son of God. You have an open door to share your belief with others, without abandon or fear of rejection. The majority of the people in your sphere of influence realize the Christian reason for celebrating Christmas. But, they may have never heard the true story of what happened to that baby in the manger, when He grew up.
Somewhat of a morbid question, but if you were to die today, would there be any doubt in the minds of those around you that you loved the Lord and served Him in your life? Do those around you know that you are a Christian and are you living a life that represents Jesus Christ to them? Every day millions of people die in this world, how many do you think go to heaven? Perhaps 70%, maybe 60%, surely more than 50%. What if the answer were less than 35%? According to a recent poll, 32% of the world’s 7.1 billion people claim to be Christian. There is no statistical fact check on the percentage of those that claim to be Christian that have actually accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord. For the sake of argument, let’s just assume that by stating they are Christian this group of 2.2 billion will receive eternity with God one day. That still leaves 4.9 billion people who will not.
You are influencing people all around you with your actions, your words, and your attitude every single day. They will either see Jesus in your actions or they won’t. That is truly dependent upon you and your acceptance of His calling on your life. Your faith is a private matter in that it is a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. It is not a private matter though in that it was intended to be shared with others. Those around you may or may not come to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ themselves, based on your actions. If you choose to keep your salvation and your faith concealed, who might be missing out on eternal life as a result?
Likewise, those around you may or may not have accepted Jesus Christ, and how will you know without seeing it in their life, or asking them about it? You parents, your children, your siblings, your spouse, your best friend – are they saved? Do you know, or are you assuming because they are nice, help others and have never stolen or killed someone, they must be a Christian. If one of them were to die today, could you stand at their funeral and know without a doubt that they are dancing with Jesus today, or is there that voice of uncertainty. If the later, than have the discussion immediately and share with them the glory of God’s love, His grace and His eternal peace. Starting with those closest to you and then working your way out to impact others in the community and eventually the world, is the call upon each of us that have accepted Christ. Let your fruit be rich in His glory and righteousness. Make this a joyous Christmas with the confidence that those you love are destined for the eternity Jesus came and gave His life to provide.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
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