Fire! Fire!

Before even 8:00 this morning, a coworker and her husband shared a frightening and amazing drama. As they traveled the last mile to our workplace, Kim noticed a house on fire. They stopped, and while she called 911, her husband, Mel, beat on the front door. Soon he called out to his wife to find something to break a window because no one was answering.

When the sleepy resident finally opened the door, smoke poured around him. Still unaware of the danger he and his family were in, he demanded to know what the insistent visitor wanted. Soon, thanks to Mel’s assistance, the family of four fled their home to safety as the fire department arrived.

Kim’s summary of the situation was sobering: “If it hadn’t been for Mel, this family wouldn’t be alive.”

Tonight I’m sure one family is full of gratitude that someone beat on the door, insisted they get up, and helped them  get out, not giving up until they were safe.

I couldn’t help but mentally remind myself that yes, I had changed the batteries and tested our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this fall.

More than that, however, it was impossible not to make spiritual connections.

This world is spiritually filled with smoke that keeps people from realizing the horrible danger they are in. Life is short, no matter how long we live. And, we do not know which day will be our last. Surely, this family had no idea when they went to sleep last night that they were going to experience an almost deadly situation in less than twenty-four hours.

Learning how to live out faith is a journey, but that journey begins with the first step of faith in trusting Jesus Christ to save us from our sins when we repent and turn away from them. As he takes over the position of director, leader—Lord—of our lives, sharing how others can also be rescued is part of the faith journey.

 How prepared am I for sharing the Gospel? How prepared are you? Who do you and I run into on a daily basis or even only once who may be dangerously enveloped in the smoke of deception or complacency?

What if Kim and Mel had driven by? It makes us shudder to think about it. What if we “drive by” people who need to hear the Gospel? It should make us shudder to think about it.

Can you prepare your story of salvation to share so you are ready to tell someone how you found forgiveness in Christ? Do you have a pocket or a compartment in your purse for a supply of tracts? Do you need more training? Someone—perhaps many people—need to hear the Good News from you. Can you and I be ready to share?

Kim and Mel did a most loving and selfless thing this morning. They saved the lives of four people.

God invites us to do the same as he brings people into our lives each day. Will you share the Best News with others this year?

Two More Things:

Here’s one place to find excellent training and resources for sharing the Gospel:  http://www.wayofthemaster.com/

And, yes, I carry tracts with me wherever I go, and I am becoming bolder.