What Would It Take???

By Bill Brandstatter
     I have noticed in the really cold weather that there are some people who do not wear coats. I saw one man a few days ago in shirt sleeves when the weather was in the thirties. I noticed a man recently that was wearing shorts outside when I had a coat and hat on. That same man later, when it got really cold, finally wore a coat. I am asking myself, “What would it take for those folks to wear warm clothes?” Let’s ask that question regarding our spiritual lives.
     What would it take for some people to obey Christ? There are many good individuals who know the truth about salvation. They understand Jesus’ statement in Mark 16:16: “He that believes and is baptized will be saved;” yet for some reason procrastination sets in and they wait. I know of one man who obeyed the Lord just 10 days before he died. I thought about all the years he could have enjoyed living the Christian life. I thought of all the promises to Christians that could have been his; yet he almost waited too late.
     What would it take for some people to start attending worship again? Some who are reading this article have not been in worship services in a long time. What has kept you away? What would it take to get you to come back? The church is made up of people who are not perfect; but who need one another. The term “fellowship” is a very important word in the Bible. It is first used in Acts 2:42 where the early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and in fellowship.” When a person misses the assembly he/she is adversely affecting their own fellowship and the fellowship of the church.
     What would it take for some people to be reconciled? There are many people that have been at odds with others for years. This is found in many areas of life. Reconciliation brings peace and tranquility. God wants us to be reconciled to Him and to each other. (2 Cor. 5:19-20)
     What would it take for me? Everyone must answer that question. Whatever it takes, I should be willing to sacrifice to be pleasing to God & to make heaven my home. (Matt. 16:24)
– Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/