Have you ever noticed how some people just don't take important things in life seriously? To these types of people, life is one big game. The only thing that matters to these folks is how much fun they can have. While we are not opposed to wholesome fun, we must also realize that there is more to life than just having a good time.
There can be no more serious consideration in life than whether or not one is right with the Lord. God waited until the "right time" (Gal. 4:4-5) to send His Son so that man might have life "abundantly" (Jn. 10:10). Think about all that God has invested in man. He gave him a soul; no other created thing has this (Gen. 2:7). This soul will eventually go back to God and we will have to give an account of such a stewardship (Eccl. 12:7; 2 Cor. 5:10). Between birth and death, we all need to seriously consider whether we're pleasing God or "playing church."
Many are what they are religiously only because of what their parents are. This even applies to members of the Lord's church - the "2nd, 3rd, etc. generation Christians." While it is expected that parents who are Christians lead their children to Christ, each "generation" must have their own relationship with the Lord apart from what Mom & Dad think. Notice Paul's commendation of Timothy in 2 Tim. 1:5. Your mother and father could be wrong; are you serious enough about Jesus Christ to risk going against them (Mt. 10:35-37)?
Ultimately, N.T. Christianity needs to be taken seriously because heaven and hell are hanging in the balance. Jesus emphasized just how serious N.T. Christianity is. You judge for yourself:
- Failing to believe in Him brings eternal death (Jn. 8:24).
- Failing to confess who He really is only invites His denial of you before God (Mt. 10:32-33).
- Failing to repent of sin in your life will cause you to perish (Lk. 13:3).
- Failing to be baptized into Him will damn your soul (Mk. 16:15-16).
Life does have its serious moments. Death awaits us all (Heb. 9:27), and the prudent thing to do is consider that appointment we will not be able to escape (Eccl. 7:2; 11:9). Are you serious about it or not?
