daily disciple

Worries?............Hell no.

There seems to be new debate on the concept and significance of hell. Not so much on whether it exists, but rather on what it is like or not like. The arguments appear to be really on the matter of a physical location and graphic description of this place, as well as who is going to be there. Who is there seems to be more important, and many are quite certain they have a pretty good list going.

None of this really concerns me much. My focus is just to make sure that I'm not going there in the first place. That may sound selfish, but if I, or anyone else, keeps their efforts in obtaining heaven, there is no worry at all about hell. It becomes quite insignificant.

Recently I have heard the old argument of "I don't want to serve a God who sends people to Hell." Well, let me reassure you that God does not send anyone to Hell. Our eternal destination is our own choosing. We have the choice. If you read Matt. 3:15-17, you will see the word everyone. God sent His son Jesus so everyone may be saved. This includes me, and you too.

So, our concern is just getting into the His Kingdom of Heaven. The starting point is getting into the Kingdom of God, which is here and now. However, it is a little more complex than simply "knowing" Christ. This is a favorite Christian line. "Do you know Christ?" Or, "he or she knows Christ." In a recent survey, 83% of Americans would answer yes to that question. However, one of the most significant questions the Bible asks is, does Christ know you. In Matt. 7:21, we are knocking on the door of Heaven seeking to get in, and out of the despair around us. When Christ opens the door, his comment is "I don't know you." We lament that we have been in His church, called His name and ate His supper, but He does not know us.

We have to ask ourselves why do I know Christ, but He doesn't know me? No our work will not get us into Heaven. But if know and trust Christ, won't we be working with Him? It's amazing that so many believe in Christ, but don't believe what He says. At least that's what it looks like. We live our lives like He doesn't even exist. Christianity is not a set of rules. When asked what we must do to enter Heaven, Christ replies to love God and love our neighbor. Do we love our neighbor?

This does not have to be so hard for us. It simple means to consider their circumstances and to try and help those in need. To try and put their needs before our own. We have to make sure that we are trying to be a positive and encouraging person. We are to spread kindness. We are to offer a helping hand. To give what we can in terms of money, or time. An encouraging word. A smile. Keeping a harsh remark to ourselves, instead of letting it fly. Just simple things. Trying means that we will not be perfect. That's ok. God understands that. But, He does expect us to be trying. He calls us to be coworkers with Him. He promises to help us in our generosity. He will be our strength in our encouragement. And, when we look out for others, He promises to take care of our needs. Doesn't that sound good? God taking care of your needs, right here and right now.

Therefore, our acceptance of Christ, and our commitment to Him, to follow what He asks us to do in lives, leads us to Heaven. No worries and no concerns of Hell. Stick with God. Skip to the end of the Book. He wins and so do you.