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Curtis Meyer reporter
For many students, and the world in general, the topic of religion is taboo in society. Afraid of disturbing the peace, appearing judgmental, or just they are scared of looking like a nut-job like many Christians today. Those are content to live out their lives keeping the cross above the fireplace and the Bible at the church building.
For those who do spread the good news, ridicule and outright hostility awaits them. Now, I am not talking about certain individuals who come to campus just to spark fires and spread hate. I am referring to the plain and simple truth, that God in his infinite love for use sent down his one and only son to die on the cross, taking the punishment for our sins if only we believe in him. (John 3:16)
Now, often true Christian’s face backlash when they try to speak to others about their faith. There is a general idea among people today that it does not matter who you believe in, everyone gets treated the same when they die. It amounts to the Billy Joel song, ‘It’s My Life.’ While the message in that song, most likely wasn’t directed to God, the idea is the same.
It is my life; I can do what I want. I am doing all right, so leave me alone. On the surface, this makes sense. It’s the perfect compromise, you can do your Christianity thing here at church, and I’ll just live my life as I see fit here. It’s understandable why someone would be upset if I were to disturb their easy living with my talk of crosses and suffering.
There is just one hitch. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) These are Jesus words to his disciples when they questioned him, asking where he was going and how to follow him. In the previous verses, he talks about his Father’s house, with many rooms, referring to heaven.
With just two sentences, Jesus makes the ultimate claim that he is the sole path to heaven. He does not say anyone, but those who do good. He does not say no one, but if you feel bad about what you did after you die. It’s an ultimatum, his way or the highway.
We are also called to love. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.” (Mark 12:31) How can I love someone, yet just watch as their soul is in jeopardy. If you saw a person with a blindfold running towards a cliff, would you just let them go on by to their death? In the same way how as, Christians can we watch and not at least attempt to spread salvation.
That doesn’t mean everyone will follow him, nor as a Christian are we required to force people to follow him. Our job is simple. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them everything I have commanded you.” (Mark 26:19-20)
Not only does Jesus claim that he is the only way into the heaven, but he also commands us as believers to spread the news to all nations. Never does Jesus ask you to forcefully convert someone, such as in the inquisitions. If you don’t believe that, then get a Bible and find exactly where Jesus held a man hostage unless he converted.
We are simply asked to spread news of his salvation, giving others the chance to accept him. I can’t force anyone to believe in God, nor do I want to. How would you feel if someone only dated you out of obligation or fear? In the same way God does not want you to only worship him because your made to. He wants you to love him back in the same way he loved you enough to die for your sins.
You would have to be heartless to not try to talk to your neighbors about Jesus, and you can hardly expect someone who knows your about to run off a cliff to just let you do it without stepping in and stopping you.
Anyone who reads this and disagrees has their own opinion, and there is nothing I can do to change that. However, if you find something in here that seems blatantly wrong, then look it up yourself. If you are a Christian, do not be afraid or lazy to talk about Jesus. If you are not, then I ask that you keep an open mind and remember that we just want everyone to go to heaven.
