The long awaited shopping mall is open—JEM.  It’s big and there are lots of things to buy and eat.  I was especially delighted with the food.  But not too long ago, two incidents of fire broke out.  In the recent one, two cars were burnt and one of them was charred and its bonnet had sunken to the ground.  What shocked me was not so much the fire—cars catching fire in a mall is rare and it occurring in such a new, big and much talked about mega mall is also least expected.

The bible prophesies about such a day: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10-11).  The awesome looking sky scrapers, the glittering gold that sparkles, all your material possessions and treasure will one day pass away forever.  What remains?  Only things that please God, things that carry the mark of God’s holiness will remain, and remain into eternity.

For this reason, the bible urges us: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2Pet 3:10-11).  Because only things that are holy will remain into eternity, only things that are holy are worth doing.  Hence, you must live life with clean hands and pure hearts.  I urge to do several things.

First, live for God.  For what and for whom are you living this life?  We live to glorify God: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31).  This is our reason of existence.  We must aim to bring glory to God in everything we do, whether we study, do housework, work in a company or even when we are doing recreation.  Every second of our lives including the brushing of our teeth must be done with the purpose wanting to glorify God.  Then, everything we do will last into eternity.

Second, live for souls.  Some are managers and some work in the factory, but all are gospel workers.  Jesus gives every Christian this command: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).  Every Christian must, whether by living the Christian life or by preaching, must preach the gospel.  You ask: “But I do not know how to preach the gospel.”  You can pray for lost souls—prayer can change lives.  By living a holy life and by sincerely loving others, others can understand God’s love deeply in a way that words cannot fully describe.  Thus, when you provide excellent plumbing service, your customers might be so impressed by your responsible attitude and joyful heart, that they may ask you the reason for the way you do your work.  I know of some Christians who despite not formally sharing the gospel with a non-Christian, have led such people to Christ by their holy living and kindness.

Your sincere love for God and kind love for people may not be noticed by many.  But you can be assured, when the Lord Jesus returns to judge us, God knows and what you do will last into eternity.

In less two weeks, we will be holding our gospel rally.  I urge you—take this opportunity to invite your relatives and friends, and may the Lord move him or her to come that they may receive the precious gift of eternal life.