The Lives of Others

" 'Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,' says the Lord GOD. ' Therefore turn and live!' " (Ezekiel 18:31-32)

 

God has a reason for everything that takes place in life. He's the only God who can take your bad and turn it around for your good (Romans 8:28). He's the only God who, when you repent and confess your sins unto Him, has the power through His grace and mercy to forgive and remember them no more (Ezekiel 18:22). So then you should also know that He has a reason for your life.

 

Upon spending time with God, I discovered something profound about the scriptures above. We as children of God have a duty to cast away our transgressions. Not only do we have the duty unto ourselves, we also have the duty of warning others of theirs that they may do the same. The object of it all is to bring about the needed repentance that springs forth to life. All throughout His word, we see where God is concerned with our lives.

 

But God doesn't stop at just being concerned with our lives. The Bible says that He blesses us in order that we may be a blessing to someone else. Now you might say, "How is warning someone of their transgressions blessing them?" Because, my friend, in doing so, you offer them life. You offer them the chance to live and not die. Just as God has blessed you with life through your repentance of sins, He desires to do the same for others.

 

I don't know about you, but I have no pleasure in walking around knowing that I'm in God's kingdom and the very person that I sit next to may be in the kingdom of Satan. They are on their way to hell.  That gives me no thrill whatsoever. As hardhearted as people may be, they still have the chance to have life. God has given the choice to everyone. And He uses willing vessels to extend that chance to even the lowest of the lowest on earth. It's not our decision to choose who will be in God's kingdom. God already knows those whom He has called. He just wants us to be available in going to them when He says go. Yes, I'm saying we are to be concerned with the lives of others.

 

"For why should you die? Why should they die?" Why should they die because we fail not to tell them about Christ. We have every opportunity to let people know of the abundant life God has granted to them freely through Jesus Christ. Why not tell them? I remember a time in my life when I used to say that some people will never change. Then one day, I realized I was wrong for saying that. I counted God out instead of counting Him in. God is the only one who has the power to change anyone. Each time we open up our mouths to warn our brothers and sisters, unbelievers and the like, we offer them the chance at life. Make sure that you are giving them the uncompromised word of God. Your opinions is not what they need. The Word of God works. Give life, Share life, Live life, Love life.

 

"Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?"

says the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn away

from his ways and live?" (Ezekiel 18:23)