“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:31-33
The conversation caught me by surprise… but the surprise was a welcome one! I was with a large group of fellow Believers in Christ celebrating a meal with the family of 2 children who had been Baptized. Their zeal and joy were contagious. As I was preparing to leave, I ran into a man who seemed to want to challenge the whole event. Yes, he’d been invited, but I couldn’t figure out why!
HE was the one who threw the first volley, questioning faith in God. I always love opportunities because of my vocation! When He stated that, “anyone who thinks their ‘religion’ is the only one, is arrogant!” “Well then,” I replied, “I’m arrogant!” His response was, “well if I do end up standing before God, I hope He’l show me mercy and let me in!” Sadly, I thought, ‘not a chance, pal!’
When I told Katie about the conversation, it only took a moment for her to brighten up and smile. Then she said, “I believe in Diamonds. In fact, I like them a LOT. I can’t tell the difference between a fake or a real one with my own eyes, but I do believe I like them. I’d love to have one! I know they have them in the Jewelry stores! Maybe If I’m passing by and drop in, they might just give me one!”
Katie said all that while wearing a fairly nice diamond ring on her own hand. The story about HER diamond ring goes WAY back, taking me YEARS of hard work and upgrading to get it for her. Yes… ‘I’ gave it to her. But it was FAR from FREE! The point of her story was obvious. Thinking back to the conversation, I then realized WHY my friend, and fellow Believer, had invited that man to his party.
Love knows no limits and is the greatest motivator of all mankind. Greed and selfishness may make many a millionaire. But only LOVE wins hearts. My Christian Brother had invited his friend to his kid’s Baptism celebration because… he loves him. He told me later that he’s been working on that friend for a long time. He was hoping the joy and love of the celebration might show Jesus’ love to his friend. And that he would believe as well.
I know there is a Heaven. I know I love and want to go there. But Jesus isn’t going to GIVE me His eternal life, just because I show up there. The cost was the most extreme payment for ANYTHING in the History of the World. And Jesus paid it ALL. But if YOU want it… YOU must seek Him, and ask Him for it! Do YOU have it? Are YOU showing that fact off to your friends? Do YOU love that much? Now is the time to SPARKLE!
