It’s in the bag – or is it?

After service this morning, someone shared with me what would bring them the greatest happiness (Biblical definition) or blessing.  It would be that their loved ones would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ the Lord.  This is what they would place in the bag I shared in Sunday’s sermon.   This dovetails with the desire of Paul in “for his brethren, his countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelities” to come to faith.  It is also my desire, especially for those in my family who do not trust Christ.  There is no greater event to create happiness or blessing than the wandering individual who comes to the loving and forgiving Father desiring a relationship with Him.

Many chase all sorts of things for fleeting happiness, yet the sharing of your testimony and the gospel to a lost person brings about a happiness that cannot be lost, diminished or forgotten.  Paul tells us in Romans 10:1 “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.”  Then in 10:14-15 he continues, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they be sent?  As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of each, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Every Christian I know wants others to know Jesus as their Savior.  When it is shared that someone comes to faith in Christ, so they profess this faith in baptism, we clap and are excited.  Yet the happiness of these life changes is vicarious or as a spectator because we do not invest in ourselves in being an active participant in these happy or blessed events.  

May I encourage you to consider what you need to invest in that will bring the most happiness, blessing to your life, as well as pleasing the Lord?  What would you place in the bag that would bring you the most happiness and blessing?

Pressing on…

Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor