My young female co-worker had asked me about a work-related issue. But she didn’t go back to her desk. As she stood there, I could tell something was troubling her.
“Judy, is there something else you need?”
“I’m scared there’s something really wrong with me.” She proceeded to list her physical symptoms.
“What you’ve just shared with me are indicators that you might be pregnant. Is that a possibility?”
“Oh, I hope not. My dad will kill me.”
As we chatted, she made it very clear that she could not be pregnant. Not married. Too young. Just not in her plans. She had no idea how her boyfriend would react. She kept repeating, “I just can’t be pregnant.”
She was, indeed, pregnant. Her dad did, indeed, react. Her boyfriend wanted no part of it. She quit her job and I lost track of her.
Such a heartbreaking scenario. But in my mind, I wondered if she had no concept of her role in all of this. She had made a choice. She was living with the consequences. And there is no in between. Either you are or you aren’t.
There are other situations in life with the same criteria – either you are or you aren’t.
One is a crucial question that comes to mind. When you die are you going to heaven? I’ve heard a variety of answers.
“I’m a really good person.”
“I go to church every Sunday.”
“I read my Bible when I can.”
“I’ve lived a great life and have no regrets.”
“I sure hope so.”
We don’t have to “hope so”. The Bible is very clear on this topic. You either have given your life to Jesus and have a relationship with Him … or you don’t. A recent death of a close friend has caused me to assess my role in making this distinction real to others. As John was dying, he was very effective in his witness that he knew where he was headed. I pray the way I live my life will give evidence to others that I, too, know heaven will be my home.
What about you? Either you are or you aren’t. Your choice.
