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What's the most important Question we all
need to ask ourselves?
by Kelli Johnson
Do you know what the most important question you need to ask yourself? If you
don't mind, let me tell you about a story before I answer that question. Don't
worry, it isn't too long.
In the summer of 1999, my Granddad was diagnosed with cancer. They gave him a
prognosis of a very short amount of time to live. It was heart breaking when I
was given the news by my mother. We had known that he had not been feeling well
for some time, but never would have thought that it would be cancer. All my
life, my Granddad has been such a pillar of our family. We often would go to his
farm as a family, enjoy jumping in the hay barns, feeding the pigs, chasing
the geese, swimming in his "bubble" pool, riding his tractor, having
holiday dinners, and just sit around and visit as a family. If I close my eyes I can still
remember the sweet smell of his home and hear him snoring as he often had fallen
asleep in his lounge chair. Oh, those were good times. One incredibly memorable
moment I remember was a time that I
was especially proud of my Granddad. While on a hunting trip, he firmly rebuked my Uncle for
having cursed in front of "his granddaughter". He was trying to protect
my innocence. While he would have been noted as a "moral" or "good" person,
and would often agree that there was probably a "higher being", he resisted any
commitment.
When given word of my Granddad's terminal illness,
I was prompted to go and see him. For many months prior, I had a very heavy
burden on my heart that that one day God would provide an opportunity for me to
share and tell him of the one that brought me most peace. The following day
after receiving the news, and I knew I could not wait any longer, it was time
I shared with him. This is what I shared with him: I told him of all the
wonderful memories I had with him as a child and while I had been growing up. I
told him how much I loved him. But, most importantly, I told him that there was
somebody else much more important than I that loved him so much more. Without
sharing much at all, this 82 year old "pillar"
immediately broke down with tears and said that he had been waiting to talk tme about this
for some time. I shared with him the unmerited grace of God that was extended to
him through His Son Jesus Christ. That he had a father in heaven that knew every
bad deed he had done, and yet, completely loved him and was willing and desired
to forgive him once and for all for all of them. My Grandad was ready that day.
He wanted to be set free from all of the past sin in his life. He wanted to
start over in his life, but knew that his health would not allow much time. However,
God in his amazing mercy, gave my Grandad over 7 more months to live. He took
advantage of every capable time he could in spending time getting to know the
ONE he would soon meet face to face. He passionately wanted to know that Savior
before he went home. Our family began holding Bible studies in his home. It
was an incredible time for our family, as with each passing week, you could see his peace grow
as he grew closer to Christ. He had such a heart for learning more about the
wonder of Christ and His sacrificial and unending love. I will also never forget
when my Dad (his son) had the privilege of baptizing him. Each of his children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren witnessed him share both verbally and in
action how he had realized
the need of the Savior in his life and wanted to publicly confess his love for
the Lord. He wanted so much to redeem the time. Don't wait to respond.
That would be my Granddad's cry for all those who read this. Time is short.
Although the Lord in His grace gave my Granddad time to share with all of us
before he passed away, we know that this is not always the case. Don't wait. The
most important question we need to ask ourselves is: What is my purpose in
life? If your not 100% sure you know the answer, please, take the time
to read the following:
1. God loves YOU and created you to have a personal relationship with
him. (John 3:16) (John 17:3)
2. Our sins keep us from having a personal relationship with God. (Romans
3:23)
3. Only through Jesus Christ can you have a personal relationship with God.
Confess your sins and be forgiven. (1 Peter 3:18) Jesus died to pay the penalty
for our sins, so we might be forgiven.
4. You must personally respond by trusting Jesus Christ as Savior and
Lord. (John 14:6) (Ephesians 2:8-9) "Dear God, I know that my sin has
separated my from you. Thank you that Jesus Christ died in my place. I ask
Jesus to forgive my sin and to come into my life. Please begin to direct my
life. Thank you for giving me eternal life. In Jesus' name. Amen."
Our purpose in life is to glorify God and worship Him forever.
To keep growing in your relationship with God...
Go to God daily in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)
Read the Bible every day (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Obey god moment by moment (Luke 6:46-48)
Worship in a local church regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Tell other about Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15-16)
Holy Spirit--let him direct your life. (John 14:26)
Now as a parent, what is the most important responsibility you have
regarding your children? Find out here.
Want a book that puts the Gospel in plain, practical terms? Consider the
book below.
 The
Cross Centered Life
Remember Jesus Christ? Although it seems almost too
obvious, the center of our faith is surprisingly easy to forget. Dynamic pastor C.J. Mahaney shows how to overcome our tendency to move on from the gospel of
grace. Finding joy in the gospel-whose promises allow us to escape condemnation
whenever it attacks-helps us avoid the prevalent trap of legalism. With
practical suggestions, Mahaney demonstrates the difference between knowing the
gospel...and making it the main thing in daily decisions and daily living.
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