“The Lord Jesus made the purpose of His coming to Earth clear: to seek and to save that which was lost.” – Gloria Grace
Since the beginning of time, there has always been a savior. The most notable, of course, is Jesus. God, in His infinite wisdom and a profound love for mankind, knew the people of this world would one day need Jesus. And, like clockwork, God was right … today more than ever.
Imagine the world without Jesus. With no moral compass, no heaven or hell, no standard by which we should treat one another, and without the hope of eternal life, what society would look like today is anyone’s guess. Just think of the condition society is in even with moral guidelines, the awareness of heaven and hell, examples of those who treat others with love and respect, and with an ever-available hope of eternal life. That Jesus is all we need reveals the depth of God’s love for you and me. Given society’s drift from God, it also reveals the depth of grace extended to us.
What about those in life who continue to reject Jesus? Who in their lives will save them? Truth is, after all, it only takes one person, one act, one word to save a life. The Bible is riddled with examples of lost people saved by simple acts of love and grace and, whether we know it or not today, so are our lives. Matter of fact, some reading this may know first-hand what it means to now be on a path to heaven because of someone else.
I’ve often thought about the moral condition of institutions, industries, and the like in this country. Regarding, especially, those with significant problems, I can’t help but wonder who will be the one to save them. I think of the entertainment industry and whether anyone among the upper echelons of decision making will stop that industry’s ongoing precipitous fall from decency. I think of the condition of government and wonder who, if anyone, will have the courage to rise up and return God to the heart of society. I wonder about public education and if anyone will do what’s necessary to restore the principles of God to every kid’s learning process.
I wonder what the sports industry would look like today if just one owner, one coach, one player with enough courage to buck a broken system would step forward and lead. Someone brave enough to replace inane politics and social justice ramblings with the essence of real competition. Will entitled players propped up by wayward billionaires ever give way to players who compete with integrity and the sole desire to be the best? Surely, there is someone.
And what about religion? Sadly, much of religion has become just another profit-seeking industry rather than a movement based on having a relationship with God. From concert-like performances to a platform for slinging around unbiblical prosperity babble to man-made religions like relativism and scientology, religion in the world includes less of God than ever before. Outlandish claims, phony so-called miracles, pursuit of wealth, and attempts to be a god rather than serve God have turned religion into something altogether disconnected to the Creator of the universe.
Last but certainly not least are the deep fractures in the media industry, an industry that has provided my family and me a living for more than 30 years. Admittedly, for a span not all that long ago, I questioned my own sanity as a few of us contemplated an attempt to be at least one remaining credible, honest, local media outlet in the world. There are others but you know what I mean. It was no easy feat, mind you, but obviously one we believed was and is worth the risk, the challenge, and the purpose of making sure at least one true, authentic newspaper exists in this country. Absent such an outlet, it’s a proven fact that cities like Waxahachie are at great risk to experience deep levels of corruption, high taxes, rising crime, and a risky, dangerous degree of unawareness that creates all sorts of problems. As far as I’m concerned, Waxahachie can never be that city.
So what about your world? As you consider your environment, what or who needs rescued and who or what will do the rescuing? Your neighbor, your spouse, your friends, your church, your co-workers? Maybe so, but I’m guessing it is you. Yes, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no doubt about that. Sometimes, however, you and I may be the only connection to Jesus others have.
Don’t ever forget that.
Scott Brooks is the Publisher of the Waxahachie Sun and may be reached at 972-316-7712 or scott@waxahachiesun.com.