MISSED OPPORTUNITY

MISSED OPPORTUNITY

The British missionary, Charles T. Studd, penned these lines of poetry:

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

This poem reminds me of a hymn that my mother, Mary Watts Bass, loved to sing.  It’s entitled “Only What You Do For Christ Will Last.” 

Remember only what you do for Christ will last,
Remember only what you do for Christ will last,

Only what you do for Him will be counted at the end;
Only what you do for Christ will last.

No matter where we go, what we achieve, or how much we receive in this life, everything is vain and empty in the absence of fulfilling our mission of service in the Kingdom of God.  Therefore, we must maintain maximum alertness and diligence to embrace our God-given opportunity to share the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ.

The May 2001 edition of “National Geographic” recounts the story of Marco Polo’s family.  Marco is one of the most famous explorers in history, but most people do not know that he inherited the travel bug from his father.  In 1260, when Marco was just six-years-old, his father and uncle traveled to Mongolia.  

When they arrived, the Mongolian emperor expressed interest in knowing more about Christianity.  He asked the Polo brothers to take a letter to the Pope petitioning 100 wise men to teach the gospel to his Asian subjects.

After three years the brothers arrived home; two years later they set out on their return trek.  Instead of the requested group of 100 wise men, only two friars accompanied them.  These were all the church felt they could spare.  However, even those two didn’t make it to Mongolia.  They turned back home shortly after the journey started.

What a tragedy!  What a missed opportunity!  Imagine if the Kublai’s request had been fulfilled.  The whole history of China might have been radically changed.

We must come to grips with the brevity of this life and the enormity of our mission to impact fallen humanity with the Living Word of God. (Psalm 90:12 – Matthew 28:19-20 – Acts 1:8) 

Someone within your personal sphere of influence needs to experience the liberating message of Christ.  Don’t delay; don’t be afraid.  Tell them…

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!