The distance one is willing to travel is often determined by the personal significance of that to which the traveling leads. When one considers a distance too far for one thing but not for another it reveals the difference of importance that particular thing (or persons involved) is to them. There have been times my wife and I have decided not to drive an hour for something, but would then eagerly drive four hours each way for even a one hour special occasion or event that included one of our grandchildren. As we each look at our individual lives, I think we would agree that distance and time is less of a factor than where our heart truly draws us.
Recently while visiting one of our senior members of the congregation, she commented about my willingness to make the drive each week to share Bible lessons with individuals at a state corrections center. My response focused on the opportunity God has provided and how encouraged I am by the openness of many individuals to engage in the study of God’s Word. The opportunity for such sharing is very much worth the travel and I know I am appreciated. However, I also noted my travel of a little over two hours each way is really nothing compared to the traveling of Paul in His sharing of the Gospel.
Reading through Acts we can easily see a large region over which Paul traveled during his three missionary journeys. He did not do so in the comfort of a car. Most of his travel was by foot or ship. Among some of things Paul experienced in his frequent journeys were: imprisonments, beatings, being stoned, three shipwrecks, a night and a day adrift at sea, danger from rivers and robbers and Jews and Gentiles and within cities and in the wilderness and at sea, enduring hardship, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, and enduring cold and exposure. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) Paul’s life reflected a willingness to go the distance to share the good news of Jesus with others. In his own words he was willing to “gladly spend and be spent” for the souls of others. (2 Corinthians 12:15)
Again, what I am doing doesn’t even come close to what Paul was willing to endure for the sake of sharing the Gospel without the modern conveniences and technology available today. However, we each need to do some soul searching to consider the focus regarding our own soul’s spiritual health and how much we truly value the souls of others.
How far will we go? Let us begin by first going the distance of studying and applying God’s truth to our own life so as to be duly prepared to exemplify the truth of the Gospel in day-to-day life. Then, let us pray for preparedness in how our life can potentially impact others with whom we might work or have opportunity to encounter through the activities of the day. Let us also acknowledge the reality that any distance traveled for the sake of another is short compared to the eternal significance of a soul. May we remain open to the ways in which God can use us for another’s sake whether near or far!
Have a great day KEEPING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SOULS CLOSE AT HEART!
Carl
