If We Really Cared
Jack Critchfield

It is often true, that the more we care about someone, the more they seem to hold us in disdain. Paul made it very clear to the Corinthians that such was the case with them. (2 Cor. 10:8-18; 11:5-9). Often times it works that way with shallow people who have carnal desires. Some parents work hard to supply the needs of their children and then are treated badly by the very ones for whom they sacrificed. We have a proverb about this ingratitude that says, "Never bite the hand that feeds you." Our heavenly Father sent the Savior to ransom us from an eternity in hell, but many are not touched by the magnitude of His infinite love.

How could a righteous and pure Jehovah truly care for such sinful men? It is a wonder of such magnitude, it almost beyond our ability to grasp it. The apostle John wrote, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (Jn. 3:16). And yet, despite this great love, millions still, nonetheless, reject God and our Savior.

From the beauty and glory of a golden street, Jesus came down to the filth of this shameful world to die between thieves to purchase our redemption. What marvelous grace! Should we not, therefore, care enough to respond properly in seeking lost mankind ourselves?

We have been saved to serve. Paul wrote, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Tim. 4:16). The gospel calls us to proclaim glad tidings to billions still overwhelmed in the dregs of iniquity. We dare not veil the message that gives light to a darkened world. "But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing," (2 Cor. 4:3). Being put in trust with the glad tidings should propel us into evangelistic fervor that never dies. To the sinful and the sad there is a story that will make them glad. Woe is unto us if we complacently overlook their desperate cry for peace and release in the midst of a hell-bound age.

If we cared about the church Jesus died to purchase (Acts 20:28), we would lead purer lives of ardent zeal and never be ashamed to tell the truth about its unique position in this religious era of confusion. Since there is but one body that glorifies God (1 Cor. 12:20), we would cover the earth with definitive teaching concerning its organization, worship and life. Christ's church is distinc-tive in doctrine, deportment, design and destiny (Eph. 3:21). When we genuinely care, we will live better lives and teach incessantly the landmarks of absolute identity concerning the bride of Christ (John 3:28-30).

When we honestly care about the Bible, we will study that Book more deeply, regularly and prayerfully. Time will be found for a sincere search of its precious contents (1 Sam. 3:1; Ezra 7:10). Nothing brings deeper delight than growing in the knowledge of divine man-dates. Psa. 119:15-16 says, "I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." This thought should elevate our outlook on meditation and enrichment from the statutes of spiritual resolution. The bad news of television, newspapers and magazines pale in significance when contrasted with the enduring joy and peace and satisfaction of the sacred text. The best advice George Washington ever gave the nation was this powerful truth, "It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible."

If we fervently concern ourselves with the future, we will change our emphasis in this mundane sphere dramatically. Eternity would take precedence over every-thing we hold dear in this passing world of transient values. Old affections will fade into the brighter light of everlasting virtue. The charming allurements of physical sensation would fade into oblivion as we set our sights on the land of fadeless day Brethren in Christ would be far dearer than earthly kin who showed no real interest in the message of the cross of Christ (Mark 3:35). The comfort of the Scriptures (Rom. 15:4) would tower above the fanfare of earthly fame and pompous glory of worldly achievement. In fact, to set our desire on things above changes our whole set of values (Col. 3:1-7).

When we, once and for all, choose Jesus Christ as the center of our lives, we will look back to the pleasures of shameful activities that never truly satisfied. In Rom. 6:21 we have this haunting reminder, "What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed?" May we always press on to higher ground now and in the world to come! If we really care for proper values, it will not be a difficult decision.

We have, within our power and ability, the challenging task of blessing the world that surrounds us. When we earnestly care, we can do just that. Tomorrow may be too late to get started!