Some days I find myself overwhelmed by all the lost people around me. There are so many that at the present time are condemned to spend an eternity being tormented in a very real place called hell. Honestly I wish I had the overwhelmed feeling more of the time. This isn't a game we're playing as some would say...by that I mean that life is real and when it ends here on earth there are only two eternal destinies for us, either heaven or hell.
All that to say, I have a passion for being part of God's plan to rescue lost people. I would define lost people as those who have not embraced the free gift of salvation by God's grace through placing their faith in Jesus Christ and trusting Him alone for their salvation, forgiveness of sins- past, present, and future, as well as their eternal security in heaven.
People (including myself), get caught up in so many things that just don't matter when one is thinking about eternity. Living in Chicago I see that all over the place. From the Bentley dealership to the multimillion-dollar condos to the bling covering some people's bodies that probably costs more than I'll make in a lifetime- we live in a very materialistic society. It tends to consume us.
On the flip side let me tell you a story that I will never forget, to make a sharp contrast...(for those that know me well I know you've heard this so bear with me). My wife Carrie and I had an opportunity to go to Uganda, Africa in 2001. While hanging out on a street corner in Kampala, Uganda one afternoon, I struck up a conversation with a Ugandan guy who called himself John Paul. We talked for a few minutes and then he proceeded to take me back to his house, which was made of nailed together plywood and metal sheets for a roof and also included a dirt floor. This house was located in the slums, just a few blocks from some really nice homes. John Paul explained that he had just gotten out of jail (I never found out why). He also told me that he owned the shirt he was wearing, two pairs of pants, and a mattress filled with holes that someone had given him (no sheets or blankets). What he then said totally rocked me...he said, "I thank God everyday for what He has given me." We then read some of his favorite scripture together and he ended up inviting me back for a fish dinner.
This broke me in a very deep way and made me question where my focus is. Am I thankful for what God had given me? Am I caught up in all the things? Am I caught up in things that really matter?
Where are my priorities at now?...
I am daily dedicating & surrendering myself to knowing and serving my Savior, Jesus Christ with my whole life.