People Still on The Road We Left Behind

Contributed by Rev. Carl Bergerson, St. Paul's Reformed Church, Beavertown, PA
Posted on 2010-08-03 21:11:17

"...whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."  (Matthew 10:39b)

At one time, all of us were on a road that was not satisfying and was not leading us to a place any person would desire.  We were on a dead end road - that ended in death.  But someone introduced us to Jesus.  We experinced forgiveness that we did not deserve, a love we could not earn, and peace so great we find it hard to describe.

Now God is calling us to share His message with people who are still on the road we left behind.  Just as we needed someone to introduce us to Christ, others need to hear God's mssage of salvation.  There is no back up plan, the Father only had one Son, and he already sent the darling of Heaven to save us.  We are the ones who are called to go and share the Good News.  But where is the army of believers that have been given this crucial rescue mission?

Too often, we listen to the voices of the world and not to the Holy Spirit.  The world is full of men who encourage us to be indifferent and inactive.  An example is Albert Camus who taught, "To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others."

Getting involved with others is not an easy task.  If we don't get involved, if we choose not to engage in the battle to win the lost, we are told we will feel "happier," and less stressed.  The word tells us to focus on what makes us happy, seek personal enjoyment and concentrate on fulfilling selfish desires.

Jesus taught a different way.  He tells us contentment does not belong to those who focus on themselves.  Our Lord wants us to give up a life that is inwardly focused.  Jesus said, "...whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."  If we take the focus off ourselves, and seek to shar Christ with others, we will find a deeper level of meaning and true contentment.

When we are on the road to Heaven, our job is to take as many people with us as we possibly can.  We can selfishly choose indifference, or we can discover the life Christ calls us to,   That's what I've been pondering.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Learn more about the ministry of St. Paul's Reformed Church online www.stapulsofbeavertown.org