By Gobel Brockman
I preached my first sermon in February of 1982, and I've been involved in some form of minisrty ever since. I've pastored two churches, been an Associate Pastor, served as Chaplain at an alcohol and drug treatment center, among other things. I've seen a lot of good things happen; a lot of lives changed for the better, a lot of hope restored, and most of all, a lot of people who were lost finding life in Jesus Christ. But there's one thing I've also encountered that has always baffled me - people who want something from God with no intention of surrendering to Him. I can't tell you the number of times over the years that I've had people tell me their situation and wanting help, then start coming up with all kinds of excuses the minute I mention turning their lives to Christ. It shows me that all they're interested in is a 'quick fix'. Sorry, I'm not in the 'quick fix' business - and neither is God.
I once heard a minister who was in charge of counseling at his church say this: "When someone comes to me for counseling, the first thing I ask them is, 'Are you saved?' If they say no, I explain the gospel to them and ask, 'Are you ready to accept Christ?' If they say no, I tell them, 'I'm sorry, but at this point there's nothing I can do for you that's going to help, because you're not addressing the biggest problem you have." I think there's a lot of wisdom in that.
I guess the point I'm trying to make this week is simply this - if you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are lost. And that - without question - is the biggest problem you have. Whatever other problems you may be facing right now are temporary, because life in this world is. It's eternity that I'm concerned about more than anything.
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