Endangered Species

Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

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.