Today I noticed something about myself. When I get excited about something, whether it’s a new restaurant, a new movie that’s come out, a good TV show, a new band, a great coffee shop or a place that has fantastic cheesecake — I don’t hesitate to recommend it to others. If I’m being honest, I share it freely with anyone and everyone who will listen.
For instance, when Peppi and I went to Texas last year on vacation we tried Topo Chico sparkling mineral water for the first time. Love that stuff! Seriously, get the “Twist of Lime” flavor. It will change your life.
This past Sunday we had lunch together with some friends at McNeely’s Place in North Augusta. I finished off my meal with a slice of their lemon blueberry cheesecake. Oh my word!!! I swear it’s one of the best pieces of cheesecake I’ve ever had in my life! And I consider myself to be something of an expert when it comes to cheesecake. But everything we had was good. I can’t recommend that place enough.
If you want some good running shoes, try a pair of Mizuno’s. Mizuno is a Japanese sports equipment and sportswear company. They make great stuff. I’m on my fourth pair of Wave Sky running shoes. They’re super comfortable!
I could go on and on.
Guys, need a good razor? Try the Harry’s brand of razors.
Want a good, dependable car? Don’t buy a used Saab. Personal experience here. I’ve had five and every one was a “sob story” (pun intended).
But something hit me hard today. I get really excited about recommending and sharing things I’ve found which I believe are wonderful. What about Jesus? Do I get as excited when it comes to sharing Him with my family and friends? Do I recommend Him as readily and freely as I do other things?
I have to say no. I need to change that! And maybe you do as well. For there is nothing more wonderful, no one more worthy of praise than my Lord!
There’s a hymn we sing, “Jesus Is All the World to Me”. The first verse goes:
Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day,
Without Him I would fall:
When I am sad, to Him I go,
No other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad,
He's my friend.
Do you feel that way about Jesus? Does He mean the world to you? When someone or something is that important in our life we talk about it.
We aren’t hesitant when it comes to talking about our kids and their accomplishments. We aren’t hesitant when talking about the good things going on at work. Or the bad things. We aren’t hesitant when it comes to sharing what we hope our favorite team will do this coming season. Why are we so hesitant to talk about Jesus?
Maybe we’re afraid of what others will think. “You must be one of those Bible thumping Christians!”
Maybe we’re worried that we might offend a coworker or neighbor who is a non-believer.
Maybe we’re just not comfortable talking about something that feels so personal, so private.
Can I say something? And I say this with much love and respect for how you feel: you need to get over that. There are people around us every day who are lost and who are dying inside because they do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. If nothing changes, if they never establish a relationship with Him, they may spend eternity without Him.
And please understand: if we do not share the Jesus we know with those who do not know Him — we will be held responsible.
In Ezekiel 3:18 we read:
“If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.”
That’s about as sober a warning as you will find in the Scriptures.
I realized this week that I need to make an adjustment in my life. How about you? It’s ok for me to excitedly share my latest discovery with those around me, but that must be subordinate to my desire to share Christ. For believe me when I say: Jesus is all the world to me!