Be Safe, Not Sorry

By Ron Bartanen        In some things we may take risks.  We may take risks in the stock market, but the only thing we stand to lose is money.  However, if we take risks with salvation, we stand to lose our souls, and Jesus said, “What is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).  We cannot afford to take foolish chances about eternal salvation.  We are urged, “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10).      To be safe, not sorry, build your life on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock, and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house: and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).  To do otherwise is soul-destruction.      Look only to God’s word for assurance that you are on the right path in life.  Don’t depend on how you feel, for “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9).  Safe guidance does not come from within us, but from the Bible.  It is His word that will judge us (John 12:48).

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com