In the ninth season of the sitcom Seinfeld, Patrick Warburton’s character “David Puddy” is asked by his girlfriend, Elaine Benes, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, if it’s a problem for him that she’s not religious.
“Not for me,” he replies dryly.
“Why not?” she asks.
“I’m not the one going to hell,” he replies.
The exchange gets a big laugh, but the issue is no laughing matter, of course. Not only is the subject a matter of great concern, but the suggestion that a believer isn’t bothered by the eternal fate of a friend or loved one contradicts the ethos of the Christian faith.
As Christian believers in an increasingly secular world, we’re surrounded by countless men and women who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, recent polling suggests just a quarter or so of Americans identify as either “born-again” or “evangelical.”
It’s true that only the Lord knows the condition of someone’s heart, whether that individual has ever made a personal confession and commitment. But by the sheer number of people not at all connected or convicted when it comes to faith in Jesus Christ, we encounter directly or indirectly dozens or even hundreds of people every day who are going to die one day and spend forever in “the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).
Does that bother or burden you?
If it doesn’t, it should.
William Booth was a Christian from another era, a name that might not be overly familiar. But the organization he founded – the “Salvation Army” – is instantly recognizable. When you think of them, you likely think of all their bell ringers on so many American corners and outside grocery stores come Christmas.
The British born Booth started the group after being convicted to declare war on the sins and darkness of this world. His personal battle cry was “Go for souls and go for the worst.”
Booth once lamented that he wished it would be possible to dangle the feet of his Salvation Army workers over an open Hell. He believed seeing the torment would be transformative and effective. He then added, “With just one hundred men, I could evangelize the world.”
Booth’s burden for the lost was palpable – and obvious. It’s what got him out of bed every morning. It’s what inspired his many innovative ideas like establishing hostels, employment centers and various hands-on training programs for those struggling. It’s what motivated his preaching and teaching – right up until death in 1912 at the age of 83.
When people referred to his army of humanitarians, he was always quick to point out they were primarily concerned with saving souls, hence “Salvation” in the title.
Antagonists of Christian conservatives often question our motives. A critic of the Daily Citizen recently posted on our Facebook account that we’re really concerned with “consolidating money, resources, and power in [our] own storehouses.”
In reality, Focus on the Family is a nonprofit organization. We use the gifts the Lord entrusts us with to serve those with whom we interact. We possess no electoral nor political power. We’re concerned with evangelizing the lost, helping couples with their marriages, assisting parents with their children, advocating for children, and encouraging others to engage the culture.
Robert Murray McCheyene was a 19th century pastor and evangelist. He once reminded his congregants:
Remember: the present is your only time to be saved. There is no believing, no repenting, no conversion in the grave—no minister will speak to you there. This is the time of conversion. Do not fear the face of man. Remember how small their anger will appear in eternity.
In other words, have some guts. Talk to your loved ones, neighbors, friends – and strangers about the Lord – before it’s too late. Don’t worry about being rebuffed or stepping on some toes. Be gracious – but go for it with some gusto.
Charles Spurgeon also a had good word about evanglizing, especially for those who may feel inadequate and not up to the task:
The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.
Amen.