A Lesson Never Learned

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38, 39 (NIV)

I have been thinking a lot about my grandparents lately. They are getting older and their overall health is waning. They still are active, still travel to Florida every winter and still can drive themselves. But their spiritual health is dire. Neither are Christians. In fact, both have straight-up refused any offers to become one. I have been trying to think of why.

Although I have probably seen them the most of all my grandparents, I couldn't say we are close. They are the only surviving grandparents I have at this point. Although I am not privy to many details of their past, I know they have made their share of mistakes. In thinking about why they haven't accepted Christ, I believe they don't think they deserve His salvation, which is a pretty common thought among unbelievers. My grandparents have lived by the theory that if you're going to go to hell, you might as well have fun getting there. How pervasive is that belief? If you have no hope of heaven, and this life is your one chance to make your own fulfillment, what would you do? I'm guessing I would live to please myself, however I could.

Of course, being a Christian, I realize the ridiculousness of that lifestyle. Sure, I make mistakes, I sin. But I know that the hope I have in Christ, the salvation He has freely given me, is much greater than pleasures offered by this world. I know that living for me is not the way to live. I know that there is more to life than the here and now, and that pursuing this life is an empty existence. I have learned that lesson, but my grandparents haven't. Many people haven't. My dad hasn't yet either.

We often talk about how hard it is as parents to watch our children grow up and reject God. Hard as that is, I find it just as difficult to watch my grandparents age and still reject salvation. Talking to them, praying for them, showing them the love they think they don't deserve is all I can do. I hope it is enough to show them the lesson they have not yet learned. Have you learned that lesson yet? Do you know that nothing can separate you from God, but your own refusal? Have you sought Him, and do you know He is seeking out you? My grandparents have one thing right: we don't deserve His love. Yet He freely gives it! Take a lesson from the verses above, a lesson that not everyone has figured out yet: God loves you, no matter what.

God, thank you for Your free gift of salvation. Show me how to share it with others around me that have not yet seen the love You offer. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher