“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars – their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8 NLT)
Cowards aren’t cowards because they have fear, they’re cowards because they let their fear prevent them from doing what they know they should do. In my mind it’s not fear that keeps us from sharing our faith, it’s cowardice; it’s thinking more of our own feelings and possible backlash from people with whom we might share, than of their eternal damnation.
People who die without Jesus are doomed to an eternity of separation from Him and all that is good, right, and holy. But the thought of my loved ones and those about whom I care deeply, missing heaven terrifies me. It’s a small thing to risk ridicule, rejection, or even persecution if I can influence even one person to change their mind about Jesus and miss hell.
Someone took the risk and made the effort to share Jesus with me, the least I can do is do the same for someone I know or meet. What if we were as quick to share the good news of forgiveness and new life in Jesus as we are a morsel of gossip? Josh Surratt made the observation: “Leaders tell the truth to people. Cowards tell the truth to other people about other people.”
The irony, of course, is, too often what people tell other people ISN’T the truth! They’re simply perpetrating lies to make themselves feel better about themselves. Why not share the truth that Jesus is Lord, has died in our place to purchase for us a place in heaven, where we can go if we’ll yield our life and allegiance to Him by faith.
Sometimes I’ll tell a lost loved one or friend: “I can’t stand the thought of being in heaven without you!” Strangely, a lot of people are surprised I would say that because they have this misunderstanding that everyone goes to heaven, or, at least, all the “good” people, which, of course, they are. Satan has filled people’s minds with all kinds of lies that sound plausible, but are damning lies.
Perhaps a simple question can lead to helping someone have a better understanding of what the Bible teaches about heaven. A question like: “What do you believe about heaven?” Or “As you understand it, who gets to go to heaven?” Jesus is clear that no one goes to heaven except by faith in Him. In John 14:6 He says: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.”
Being religious, a good person, going to church, or anything else will never take the place of a personal love relationship with the One who laid down His life in our place. Each of us must make the personal decision to open our heart and mind to the Lord by faith, asking for forgiveness and determining to walk in the power of the Spirit who will take up residence in our heart when we open our life to Him.
If you’ve never done that, please go to The Bridge to God and let Ron Hutchcraft guide you in how to give your life to the Lord Jesus. You will never regret opening your life to the Lord of life. Knowing my heart belongs to Jesus and my home in heaven is awaiting my arrival gives me peace to know that whatever I face here on earth, it’s only temporary, and because of Him, very manageable.
Don’t be a coward! Open your heart to Jesus today! And if you know Him, share Him with someone today!
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 