Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

The best friend I ever had in my life passed away and I had just completed the research needed to fly out of state for his burial. All I needed to do was press the computer icon labeled ‘confirm.’ My hesitation did not reflect confusion or want, but reality. I clearly wanted and needed to be there. But being in ministry, I knew what I was volunteering for. And this was NOT going to be easy or fun. This was going to hurt!

Everyday we face death. When turning on the TV or radio, we hear about it. Even if it is just a story for entertainment purposes, drama programs often center around death. But hearing and knowing ABOUT death is totally different than experiencing it. The finality and invasiveness of death’s reality is something no one can prepare for. When I stood before the casket, reality crashed in and crushed my heart. I was reminded how much I hate death!

Being a man of the Gospel, I know from experience that people who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are more prone to ‘hear’ it when death is in the room. I also know that Jesus Christ is especially present by the Holy Spirit as well. Mourning myself, I knew that I would be asked by my Master to share the Gospel to those in mourning. A delicate procedure, to say the least! Why? Because when Truth enters the room, hard choices will either be forthcoming… or evaded.

Truth has a way of clearing a room. If there IS TRULY, ONLY 1 Way, and Jesus Christ is it, then hearing and choosing HIM requires radical change. When a baby is born, the process is called ‘labor’ for a reason. It is painful and hard. Spiritual birth is no less stressful. Sharing the Gospel means clearly sharing the process in which we must CHOOSE to dive into our own grave to receive His divine Grace. Grace may be free… but it comes at high cost! There is NO way to be sneaky about its decision!

To live the ‘Free’ life requires work. Loving Christ means we will make the hard decisions to live HIS life HIS way. Reading His Word, praying, going to Church, giving up the sinful distractions He points out and unfriending some non-friends is a process that takes time and decisive effort. Most will CHOOSE death over life because of Life’s inconvenience. Sadly, there is no sound more sorrowful than a casket being locked… from the inside! Are YOU truly free?