“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” – Rom. 10:1

While we Christians have a lot of faults and problems, none are so obvious as our lack of compassion. We look with amazement and admiration at the great works of Paul, and wonder how one man could accomplish so much. The answer, in part, is that he cared. He cared enough to face every challenge, fight through every obstacle, follow every command, and endure any hardship for the sake of getting the gospel to others. His zeal pushed him above and beyond what most people were willing to do. His all-consuming passion drove him daily. When he spoke of his desire to see others saved there was evidence that he was telling the truth. The record reveals that he was being honest. Are we?

Far too often we don’t want to face the facts about ourselves. Knowing we ought to care it is hard to confess that we don’t. It is delightful to read about those who were greatly used of God, but it often leaves me feeling miserable. Reading about their sacrifices, amount of time in prayer, and their tears makes me feel ashamed. Where are the tears today? If we cared as much as we claim why aren’t we weeping? Do we ever?

I’m not saying we should spend every moment of every day weeping. Our emotions must be balanced. If we couldn’t stop crying it would cripple us. We would be so miserable that neither we nor those around us would be at peace. There’s “a time to weep, and a time to laugh” ( Ecc. 3:4). It would be near insanity if all we did was one or the other. So, how much are we suppose to care? We should indeed weep over others, but that doesn’t mean we are to spend everyday crying. The bottom line is this – we ought to care enough to go and to tell others of God’s saving grace. We should care enough to seek them, speak the truth, and show them love. If we are faithfully discharging our duties there will be times of tears. Our contact with them will cause us to cry for them. It will also bring rejoicing. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” – Psa. 126:5 – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:” – Rom. 9:1-3
I can’t read this without wondering why we are so different than Paul. His great compassion for the lost is amazing. So, what’s wrong with us? We all know we should care for the lost and we say we do, but do we really? When we read about those who were greatly used of God and helpful to man we see that they had a depth of concern we seldom see today. We should be troubled that we aren’t troubled by the terrible condition of those without Christ.

How can we restore our passion for the lost? How do we start caring when we don’t care? Even many who are devoted to duty are not truly passionate about those who are strangers to God’s saving grace. They love the ministry, but have no love for those to whom they are ministering. That’s why so many fall out of their ministry. Without being energized by passion for people ministry becomes routine, dull, boring, halfhearted, etc. Then when troubles arise they throw in the towel. So this is a problem that not only deprives people of their spiritual needs, but a problem that puts us in danger.

Although much could be said about restoring out passion, the first step is to admit that we have a problem. We must get past the pretense. We must take a good, long, hard look at ourselves. Be honest. Are you truly concerned about those who are unsaved? Are you concerned enough to tell them about Jesus? Or, have you lost your passion for lost people? – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”– Eph. 2:1
“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” – Eph. 2:5
“….having no hope, and without God….” – Eph. 2:12

No one likes bad news, especially when it concerns those you care about. For example, what if your best friend or dearest loved one said-
– “I lost my job and we are going bankrupt”.
– “My child is missing!”
– “My husband/wife filed for divorce!”
– “I am dying of cancer!”
The list could go on and on, but you get the picture. News such as this would break our heart, move us to tears, cause us to pray, and prompt us to offer our help. But there is something worse than these things. What if I told you your loved one is dead? Whether you realize it or not, that just might be the truth. The fact is, if they haven’t received Christ as their Lord and Savior they are dead – spiritually dead. They are not just lost, sick, or injured. They are dead! Although they are young, strong, and physically healthy they are dead in the worst sense of the word. They are spiritually dead – separated from God, condemned and headed for hell. So how does that news affect you?

Loving them as you do, I suspect you would do anything in your power to help them through their financial fall, domestic difficulties, and physical problems. But when it comes to their spiritual needs we often fail to show any great concern. Even when we speak of them being unsaved we are often cold, casual, and unemotional. Why? We would rush into a burning building, jump into a raging river, or drop everything we’re doing to help those in need. But some how we fail to give them what they need most – the life giving power of the gospel. Of all the sins in the world our sin of silence is among the most terrible. As Christians we have the message the world needs more than anything else. May God help us deliver it before it’s too late.- HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346