Some Things Haven't Changed

Coordinator of Outreach and Evangelism, CGO Staff

If you’re like me, you don’t particularly love change. But 2020 has been full of changes. We are now looking at a Thanksgiving and Christmas season unlike any we have ever experienced. No matter where you stand on how things should be handled, this holiday season will be different. For me, it means I won’t be spending hours on end in coffee shops during my weeks of vacation. It also means I won’t be planning or attending near as many Christmas parties.

But as our disappointments and frustrations seem to pile up, let’s not forget what hasn’t changed. A couple weeks ago, I was reminded of a phrase Dr. Bob III would repeat in BJU chapel all the time: “The most sobering reality in the world today, is that people are dying and going to hell today.”

Yes, 2020 has changed our lives significantly in many areas, but the most sobering reality of 2019 remains the most sobering reality of 2020. There are people around us that have not accepted the wonderful news of Jesus Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. They are living without hope in one of the worst years most of us can remember. And, some of those will die without that hope, not even living to see 2021. That is a sobering reality.

It’s easy to get into a spirit of complaining about the regulations while you are waiting 6 feet away from someone in line at a grocery store. Guilty as charged. However, why not take that opportunity to share some of the hope that lies within you? Why not turn the unfortunate circumstances of 2020 into a joyful gospel opportunity? If the most sobering reality is that people are dying and going to hell today, then the most precious news is that Jesus made it possible for us to escape that eternal death by dying to self and following Him.

Instead of dwelling on all the things that have changed this year, let’s make a list of things that haven’t changed! I shared one, but there are hundreds of amazing things that remain the same. Just a few that come to mind are things like our union with Christ, our eternal security, and the ability to stay in touch even when we can’t travel or gather! Use the comment section below to list some ideas. Then, find someone who needs some hope in their life and share those with them.

A few weeks ago, I realized I had slipped into a get-through-the-day mentality. But hearing the words of Dr. Bob reminded me that I can’t be content to just make it. I have been left here on earth for a purpose—a mission. That mission is to make disciples because people are slipping into a Christ-less eternity. Sticking my head in the sand and just trying to survive the pandemic isn’t being an ambassador for Christ.
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So, will you join me? Will you decide it’s time to do more than just make it through the rest of 2020? We have an open door to connect with people and turn the conversation to eternally weighty things. I know, it’s not exactly an ideal time to talk to strangers, knock on doors, gather a crowd of people together, but can you think of a more ideal time than right now that people are looking for hope? So, let’s think creatively. Let’s build relationships. Let’s use the conversations waiting in line for Christ. After all, He gave everything for us, and now, he commissions us to bring that news to everyone we can. That’s something to give thanks for next Thursday!