Hebrews 12:15 (New International Version)
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and
that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
In 2007, the government announced it had taken the bald
eagle off the endangered species list. That’s great news! Still, many different
plants and animals remain on that list.
As we take a minute to think about the endangered species
list does it go far enough? For example, what about a list for endangered
people? Lists like that might include rare individuals like these:
Those content with their lives
Those living with a sure and confident hope
Those secure in their financial situation
Those confident about their future
Those who enjoy life’s blessings
Those certain of their salvation
Sadly, the number of people on many of those lists,
especially the last one, could easily outnumber the endangered plants and
animals on any government list! Does your name appear in any of the categories
above—or maybe all of them? If so, praise the Lord, who has worked these rare
qualities in you! Do you know people whose names would not appear in any of the
categories above? It’s likely. And it’s also easy to walk right by the hurting,
hopeless, and fearful people all around us, feeling inadequate to help.
We have plenty of opportunities to add people to these
lists. We are encouraged through all of scripture to see that no one misses the
grace of God . . .
Recently I’ve read stories of people sharing their faith
at work. It’s obvious from their enthusiasm and newfound confidence that
sharing Christ has made their work experience more exciting, an adventure,
even. They enjoy their growing relationships with co-workers, and they sense
God at work through them, adding purpose to their daily occupations.
As the Holy Spirit grows our faith, as he strengthens us
through his Word, and as we spend time with other believers, we realize a new
confidence and a new urgency for sharing Christ’s hope-filled news with a
hurting world. As men of God, we soar as we share our Lord and the salvation he
won for us. We want others to see what we see and know what we know, namely the
world’s Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord we thank You for Your grace and the salvation
you give to us. We pray today that we have the confidence in sharing your
life-giving news with those that are in our life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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