PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT •••d Last week, I had a really great conversation with a friend of mine. While she doesn’t believe in God, she knows I do and she respects my beliefs. We spent some time talking about things and one of the things she asked has stuck with me. She asked me if I had the answer to the one and only way to heaven through Jesus Christ, what about those who are born in other cultures who are equally certain their way is the only way to heaven?
I admit it’s a good question. And though I was praying throughout our conversation, I am afraid I didn’t do the answer justice. (I’m better on paper than having an actual conversation.)
There were verses I paraphrased to her (because I stink at memorization)—“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1 ESV) and “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 ESV). We talked about Jesus being the Son of God, but we didn’t land on the same page of understanding.
But this morning, I feel like God gave me an illustration that makes sense. The undeniable fact is that 1+2=3. That’s the answer. But what if you went to another culture where everyone genuinely believed that 1+4=3? You’d have to teach them.
Of course, no one likes being told they are wrong. So cultural sensitivity has to be considered. But what if we’re not talking about a cultural difference? Heaven knows we have plenty of differences to choose from in our own backyard from people who are “just like us”—The stereotypical situation of parents, 2.4 kids, house, 2-car garage, etc. How do we make them understand that the undeniable answer and way to heaven is Jesus+Faith=Salvation?
It starts with us. If we believe that 1+2=3, but we live like 1+4=3, then we’re missing the opportunity to share the right equation!
However, if we believe and live by the truth, people will ask. Why do you believe 1+2=3? Why do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Why do you believe He died and rose from the dead? Why do you believe He took on the sin of the world in order to offer all who believe the gift of salvation?
Once we live the truth, our very lives point to the answer which Jesus gave us in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (ESV).
And to those of other cultures—our missionaries who serve and are fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)… Pray for them. We can do our part through prayers and gifts to support them. But make no mistake—if you are a Christian, you are on a mission field. Be a missionary, even if your field is at work, across the street, or even at home.
Show the world the truth. Live it every day. And let them see the answer living inside you.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for being the way, the truth, and the life. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live the truth in all you say and do. Ask Him to fill your heart with Jesus so everyone can see the Truth living in you. And pray for the missionaries who are reaching others for Jesus!
