The Obituary
I recently came across a story about a young woman who passed away from cancer at age 35. She took the time to write her own obituary with every bit of courage as she lived her last days surrendered to her fate. What struck me most about this story was what her close friend said, “You just do everything you want to do and say everything you want to say.” It takes knowing one’s looming mortality to muster the courage to live life as it should be lived- to be able to speak one’s mind.
How about you? What will it take for you to tell people about Jesus? Knowing and seeing what ‘time’ it is, will you let fear of rejection keep you from boldly proclaiming the gospel even to those who profess to be believers, but you know are holding to erroneous doctrine? We are going to lose some friends, and yes, estrangement even from our own family members. They may not kick you out of the house, but in their mind, you have become anathema. This is the cost- your family, your friends, and yes, even your life.
“But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:62
When you balk at lovingly confronting someone, unbeknownst to you, you are doing the ‘lukewarm’ walk. You can reason that it’s part of living at peace with people, but if we are truly honest with ourselves, we know exactly why we hesitate. That hesitation will ALWAYS be there. The question is, will you allow that hesitation to prevent you from doing God’s will? Living for yourself and for the things you hold dear is nothing compared to living the life He empowers you to live now which also carries on to eternity.
While in this body, we will never be free from false perceptions. Even Jesus who was sinless was accused of being demon-possessed (John 7:20, John 10:20) and no servant is above the master (Matthew 10:24-26). And those people you think are your friends, is their approval worth more than the One who bought you at a price?
“The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
Psalm 29:25
Caeli, this is a very convicting post that I personally identify with. I know that I’m not doing all I can do to make Jesus known to those who are perishing.
I’m not ashamed of the gospel, but I do fear approaching people (even in subjects not related to God), and their response – this is what keeps me silent. God has been heavily convicting me of this recently and I know I need to repent and begin looking for opportunities to share the gospel, in spite of my fears. I’ve always known that my ministry is to believers, but that doesn’t take away the responsibility to share Him with unbelievers as well. Thanks for the hard truth. D
I read the woman’s story just yesterday and seeing the impact her story has made on you, she didn’t die in vain. She accomplished what she sought to do with her obituary.
Dee, while we have breath, there’s time. Thanks for being open about this.
Thanks Caeli. Those are really encouraging thoughts.
Maybe this will motivate you as it does me.
Matthew 10:33
33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
When we don’t share the Gospel out of fear, indirectly is as if we are ashamed because of what people may think of us for believing in Jesus and His teachings. But, no need to worry, because as 2 Timothy 1:7 says, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
We have been transformed through the Holy Spirit to combat any fears from the enemy for he uses that to keep you and me from telling people the truth.
1 John 4:18
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
When you switch vantage point and see them through God’s lenses, love will take out any fear and spur you to tell them because you don’t know if you will be the last person for them to hear the message about Christ.
Thanks Spaniard VIII. I appreciate your encouragement! 💖