Priorities

So today is a little bit of a serious post. Our Sunday School lessons at church lately have been on ministry and witnessing. And while my novels are definitely a ministry and a witness, am I doing enough to share Christ?

Heavy question! And for most of us the answer is probably "no". Is it ever enough? Can we ever tell "enough" people The Good News?

I got a very random and sweet text message the other day from a dear friend I grew up with, literally since kindergarten. While we don't keep in touch as much as I'd like to anymore, she will always be a special friend! And the text message said she wanted to thank me for approximately twenty years ago showing her how to be saved. I remember us playing in my room as young kids and talking about a Bible story, and that conversation led to a discussion on salvation. My mom stepped in later, and together we led her to the Lord. Such amazing memories! And for her to be grateful for that moment to me so many years later - just teared me up!

That's what its all about, dear readers. That's what our daily goals should be. Yes, family is important, and yes work and fitness and hobbies all have a place in our lives - but they shouldn't be #1. Because when this world is over - and I wouldn't be surprised if the rapture occurred in my lifetime, based on signs of the end times - that's all that's left. Salvation. Jesus. What you did for the Lord.

We are to strive to raise our families in the Lord, and leave behind a strong Christian heritage - but we're also responsible for our neighbors. Is someone on your street lost? At your workplace? The waitress at the restaurant you visit after church? Opportunities are everywhere to spread the gospel, and it seems like we're all too busy and consumed with things that ultimately don't matter, that we miss them. (myself included!)

What consumes your thoughts the most these days? A new diet? Money? Job situations? Getting a book deal? These things take up a lot of my thoughts, and while there isn't anything wrong with that by itself, it shouldn't take up more of my time and energy and effort than witnessing.

It's easy to make excuses. "I'm too shy" or "that's not my calling" or "I don't know what to say."

Here's a secret - everyone is too shy. I know very few people who are 100% comfortable verbally sharing the gospel with strangers. Its hard! Its awkward! But consider the stakes - a person's soul. Not so awkward anymore, is it? And yes, as a Christian, it IS your calling. Jesus commanded all of us to go and share His Word. And God will give you the words you need as you need them. Just trust and pray for open doors - and take the doors when they open. Remember, we aren't responsible for the results - God is. We are just responsible for spreading the message.

Truly, we have it pretty easy. At this point in time, us telling someone about Christ isn't all that risky. What do we have to fear? Being called weird, being teased, being thought crazy, being brushed off or losing an acquaintance? What is that compared to the disciples and apostles who were stoned, imprisoned, flogged, murdered, etc.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to get to Heaven one day and become aware of all the opportunities I missed, and see or hear about all the people I could have led to Christ that I didn't. I can't imagine anything more awful than that!!

If this rings true for you today, then join me in committing to being a stronger witness this year. Its never too late to start a "new years resolution" of sorts, so let's start one right now in mid-April!

Who's with me? =)

And if you're curious what I'm talking about, and aren't sure if you are saved, then please email me at betsystamant@yahoo.com and let's get that figured out! You'll never make a more important decision in your life.

Have a happy Monday! Go forth and be disciples!! =)