For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
(1 Peter 4:17-19, NASB)
Today’s verses hurt my heart. Peter asks, “… what will become of the godless man and the sinner?” The answer is, he’ll be eternally separated from God.
We all know people who aren’t followers of Christ, and verses like these should urge us to share the wonderful truth of salvation with them, as lovingly as we can. They need to understand that they will face judgment. They will spend eternity apart from Creator God.
We also need to pray for softened hearts—every day. We need to reflect Christ by being loving, patient, peaceful, gentle, and kind. We need to remember that we could very well be the only example of Christ they see.
Wow. I don’t know about you, but that makes the preceding verses even more convicting. We need to obey God. We need to live according to His commandments. We need to consistently spend time with Him, learning more, becoming more whom He created us to be.
Yes, the bottom line is it’s between our unbelieving friends and God. We cannot save them. But we can be light to a dark world, especially to those closest to us.
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