What about the human race?

I was sitting in my car at a traffic stop the other day when a neatly dressed young woman came toward me soliciting donations for her cause. I make it a point to listen even if I decide not to donate. So when she approached me, I smiled as she said: "Would you like to make a donation to save stray dogs and cats? Any spare change would be appreciated." I responded without a moment's hesitation, "I'm more concerned about saving lost humans." Looking puzzled for a minute, she asked. "Really. What do you do?" "I'm a Christian. Do you attend a church?" I asked. "Yes, I do." she answered proudly. "Wonderful, then you should know all about saving humans." Our conversation ended there as the traffic light had turned green.

The next day, I was on my way to dinner with a friend when an older woman, dressed in a 60's throwback floral patterned skirt with matching top, approached us on the street. As we made eye contact, the woman thrust some literature in both our hands and began to lecture us about the cruel and inhuman treatment of chickens. Thrusting the sheets of paper back in her hand, I explained that my friend and I were heading to dinner, and really didn't want to spoil our appetites. Having said that, we started quickly walking away. Well, this really seemed to set her off so much that she chased after us shouting more chicken atrocities. My friend and I retreated into the safety of the restaurant. We found a quiet table and turned our attention to the menu placed before us. When the waitress came back for our order, we both ordered the chicken.

There are so many causes being promoted nowadays that clamor for our attention and support. But when I think about the human condition in the world today, I am burdened by the fact that concern for human life seems to be at an all-time low. Witness senseless killings in Niger, ethnic cleansing in places like Myanmar, ISIS backed fighters killing innocents, crazed dictators brandishing their nuclear weapons, racially motivated killings in the U.S., wars with no end in sight— women, children, the elderly being sacrificed, and for what? Where is the campaign to save the human race?

Humans need saving more than cats, dogs, chickens, tigers, whales, elephants, prairie dogs, kangaroos, rhinos, and the other 241 million species listed under a "save the" search on the Internet. I know of only one person who campaigned specifically to save human life—in fact it was His life's work—and that was Jesus. Many don't want to give Him credit, but the fact is His gospel of salvation has saved lives by the millions the world over, and is still doing it today. Jesus Christ came into the world to save humankind, not animals or ecosystems. Look around you. I bet you know at least one person—perhaps two or three— who need saving from something, The Good News is that there is something you, and they, can do about it. It's not about joining a religion; it's about having a relationship with the only one who came to save the human race. Questions are expected and welcomed. Find answers at peacewithgod.net Can your journey toward peace be any closer?

Is your head in the sand

People who act as if they are oblivious to the happenings around them are often characterized as behaving like an ostrich with its "head buried in sand." I don't know much about the habits of the ostrich bird but I can see the same analogy applying to the those who see wars, earthquakes, famine, pandemics, rampant crime, environmental upheavals, seasonal changes and the like; and yet fail to recognize these as signs of the end times (Matt. 16:2-3).

Catastrophic events like these are unfolding worldwide almost daily, even in our own country. The popular culture believes that the world will one day solve all its problems and be at peace with itself. But scripture warns us that nothing can be farther from the truth.

For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you brothers are not in darkness so this day should not surprise you like a thief (1Thessalonians 5: 2-4).

The word "should not" in that passage suggests that some brothers (and sisters) will be caught off guard, and hence totally unprepared for the Lord's return. Where do you stand? Are you prepared for the Lord's return?

In Matthew 25 tells the story of ten virgins— five wise ones and five foolish ones— who were warned to be ready when the bridegroom [Christ] comes for them. The five wise virgins were obedient and heeded the advice, keeping their lamps trimmed and with plenty of oil with them at all times. One day, when the bridegroom suddenly came unannounced, the five wise virgins were ready to go with him. But the five foolish virgins were caught off guard—their lamps had no oil. To their anguish, the bridegroom left them behind. The point of this parable is the importance of being prepared when he comes. Scripture warns, "we know not the day or the hour when [Christ] will return."

The first step in being prepared is making sure that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or to put it another way, you must be born again. Just being a good person doesn't cut it. People often deceive themselves by thinking that because they are kind hearted, or attend church that this somehow means that makes them right with God. Not so. The Bible says in John 3:7 that you must be born again. Romans 10 spells out the conditions for salvation through Christ:

First, there must be a confession of sin with true repentance. Followed by acceptance of Jesus as God's son, who died on the cross for our sin and who was also raised from the dead. Next, an invitation to Christ to come into your heart; and finally, believing in faith that Jesus has done what you have asked. 

Here's the test. If you cannot specifically recall a date or time when you made this confession or similar to God in a prayer, you would be correct to question whether you are really in the family of God. If you are not sure, don't allow Satan to deceive you about your standing with God. Satan wants nothing more than for you to keep your head buried in the sand of "self-righteousness." Open your heart today, and allow Christ to change your life. The bridegroom is coming, and is even now knocking at the door.