"YOU JUST NEVER KNOW!"
My flight to Nashville last week turned out to be a marvelous experience. I was on my way to Henderson for FHU Board of Trustees meetings, Lads-to-Leaders Board meetings, and to speak for the Freed Hardeman Lectures.
The young man who sat next to me on the plane was wearing his uniform. He was a member of the U.S Army. He was Airborne Special Operations Intelligence. I expressed my deep gratitude to him for his service to our country.
He talked a little about his work, but primarily about his family. We talked (actually he did most of the talking) for about an hour and a half. It was a delightful experience.
I asked him what he was going to do after he retired. He said, “I’m working on another project, do you mind if I tell you about it?” I told him I would love to hear about it.
He said that he wanted to be a Chaplain. He had completed his undergraduate work and that he now has to start his graduate studies. I asked him if he had selected a graduate school. He said no.
I was able to talk to him about the possibility of attending Freed Hardeman. I also had the opportunity to tell him about a friend of mine who preaches for the church of Christ in the town where he is stationed. I assured him that he along with his young family would be welcomed.
It was also wonderful to be able to talk to him about Jesus. Isn’t it wonderful to be able to talk about Jesus? My experience made me think about how important it is for us to always be ready to talk about Christ and His Word (1 Peter 3:15). It reminded me that we never know about how our interactions with others might influence the direction of their life and more importantly their eternity. You just never know.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOUR EXAMPLE MIGHT INFLUENCE SOMEONE ELSE TO FOLLOW JESUS. Paul instructed Timothy with these words, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:12) Our influence can be a powerful tool to win others to Jesus (1 Peter 3:1-8)
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MIGHT HAVE AN OPPORTUNTITY TO PROCLAIM THE WORD OF GOD. Paul said, “…For my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” The phrase that he uses here means literally, “I am on fire” to preach the Gospel. We are reminded of the great prophet of God Jeremiah when he was arrested for preaching (Jeremiah 20:9-10).
We should always be ready to share the Good News with others. We should always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15).
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MIGHT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING JOY TO OTHERS. This wonderful young man was so excited to tell me about his desire to be a chaplain. He was also extremely happy to learn that I might be able to be of help to him in some way.
We find some of our greatest joy in being of service to people around us. The Word of God tells us that we should rejoice when others rejoice. What a rich blessing God has given us when we can share His Word with others.
Dear Father, please help us keep our eyes open for opportunities to talk to people about Jesus. Help us dear God to always be ready. Help us to live in such a way that people will want to hear what we have to say. Thank you, Lord for your precious Word that can penetrate the hearts of those who hear. In the Name of our Savior we pray, Amen.