In many situations of life a question will be asked, “what if?” Gladly, in most of these situations, the answer to that question may not be very significant. But when it comes to more important issues it becomes a crisis situation. There is no more single important issue than the souls of people and their eternal destiny.
When we consider the worth of a soul, I have heard it said that a soul is only worth as much as you are willing to give for it. I agree with that statement and the Word of God supports the accuracy of that statement. The worth of a soul in the sight of God is revealed in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The worth of a soul in the sight of Christ is revealed when he made the declaration that “he was not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9) and “He laid down His life for us….” (1 John 3:16). Many of God’s choice children have given their lives for the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not all have been called to that sacrifice, but all have been called to reach every individual with the Gospel of God’s great salvation.
Regrettably, not everyone accepts that responsibility. I would ask a question of each of us about “what if?” When it comes to the ministry of missionary labor, we need to ask ourselves what if everyone supported the work of missions as I do? Again, what if everyone had the same burden for souls and the vision to reach the lost that I have? What if everyone, in the habit of life, was equal to me in my sacrifice to improve something in my life at the expense of supporting the preacher who takes the Gospel of Christ into all the world? Another question to be is, what if everyone had the same compassion for souls that are without God that I have?
In first John chapter three and verse seven, some of these questions are answered by a question asked by the apostle, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” We are told in the Word of God that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, by the Spirit of God, gave us these words. “The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.” We are also given this additional warning by the spirit of God concerning our responsibility and the souls of this lost generation of people. “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand” ( Ezekiel 3:18).
Thank you for your love of God, your love and burden to see people saved by the grace of God, and your confidence in the world-wide missionary ministry of the School of Christ International. It is one of the most viable and effective missionary ministries in the world today. Continue to support the work that was began by one of the great missionary hearts of the world, Pastor B. H. Clendennen.
The great potential of the “what if” question is the enormous harvest that would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to the Glory of God with your continued support and sacrifice.
By Robert Turnage
