Am I Concerned for Lost Souls

My wife and I recently attended a baseball game with our daughter and son-in-law in a nearby city.  The stadium was packed with fans cheering for their favorite team, hoping for a big win.  It was an enjoyable time away with family.

But when the final out was recorded and the crowd began filing out of the stadium, a sobering thought suddenly overwhelmed me: “How many people in this crowd are saved and on their way to heaven?”

My heart grew heavy as I watched the faces around me.  Some were smiling from ear to ear because their team had won, while others walked away disappointed because their team had lost.  Eventually, we reached our car, which seemed to be parked in the “north forty” of the parking lot.

As we walked, my wife shared what was weighing on her heart.  She wasn’t troubled because our team had lost; she too had sensed the spiritual hopelessness within that massive crowd.  She quietly asked, “How many of these people are lost and without God?”

As the crowd disappeared into the night, and the stadium lights faded behind us, I was spiritually numb to think: “Where are these people going to spend eternity?”  My other thought: “How many people will stand before Almighty God one day and give an account for the deeds they did on earth?”  It will be too late for believers to witness and tell them about Jesus.  My heart was heavy and troubled.  I pray that God will send someone their way to share the plan of salvation while there is yet time.

My wife’s question gives rise to several others that every Christian should ask:

** Am I truly concerned and burdened for lost souls?

** Have I become content simply knowing that I am going to heaven?

** Have I adopted an “us four and no more” mentality?

** Do I attend church each Sunday only to complain about the sermon or grumble because there is another guest speaker?

** Where is the brokenness of spirit I once felt for those who were without Christ when I was first saved?

** Have I become complacent, satisfied with the status quo of my Christian life?

I believe God desires His children to be actively involved in bringing others to Christ.  Jesus said, “The fields are white unto harvest.”  Souls are all around us in need of a Savior—but where are the laborers?

All of heaven rejoices when one sinner repents and gives their heart to Jesus.  But people cannot believe the Good News unless they first hear it—that Jesus died for their sins, rose again, and offers eternal life.  There is heaven to gain and hell to shun.

As ambassadors for Christ, we must remind ourselves that the time for redemption is drawing near.  The signs of the times are everywhere.  We need to open our eyes, recognize the lost souls surrounding us, and respond with compassion and urgency.

Think about those God has already placed in your life: the neighbor next door, the coworker you eat lunch with, the teammate you play sports with, the mail carrier, or the loved one whose heart has grown cold and wandered away from Christ.

When I was first saved, I often prayed, “Lord, where do You want me to go tonight?”  I believed He was already preparing someone’s heart to receive the Words of Life that He wanted me to share.

If we have become spiritually sleepy, it is time to awaken.  There is still time to reach those who are perishing.  May we once again become deeply rattled when we see people drowning in sin.  Instead of walking by, may we throw them the only Lifeline that can save them—Jesus Christ, the only hope for lost souls.

Written by,

Papa Boyd