For whom am I responsible?

Who am I responsible for to get to Heaven? A question I pondered upon many times.

As a husband am I responsible for my wife’s salvation? As a father, what about my children? Where does it end? What about the man on the corner? Or, the little girl on the other side of the world?

If my wife, children, that man or girl don’t make it to Heaven, can I even be let in? Especially if I fail to bring along those closest to me, how can I even dare ask for entry?

In our men’s group, I’ve heard many men say this very thing. “It is MY duty and responsibility to get my wife and children to Heaven. If I fail in that mission, God won’t let me in either.”

The Lord makes it very clear in what we call the Great Commission – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19. This order is unambiguous and clear – make disciples of ALL people. Overwhelming! How do I even begin fulfilling that command?

As is sit here early this quiet morning, I ponder on this thought. Does my blog qualify? Not really, it touches so few – not thousands and definitely not the every person in the world. I can’t cop out and hold the Road of Faith (www.theroadoffaith.net) up to the Lord and say, “see, I did what you asked.”

So, what can I do? What can we do in the face of such a challenge?

“Wife, how do you know whether you will save your husband? Husband, how do you know whether you will save your wife? Only, let every one lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him, and in which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.” 1 Corinthians 7:16-17

1 Corinthians 7:16 asks this question. 1 Corinthians 7:17 answers it.

Lead your life according to the Gospel, let your life be an example.

My wife and I face the supreme challenge. Our children, who once were the standard of God loving Catholic youths, have fallen away. Not one goes to Mass, some even appear to be anti-God. Lives that once glorified the Lord as naturally as their breath have now fallen and turned their backs on Him Who is all.

For years I struggled over my failures to lead them. I fought, sometimes even arguing to get them to turn back to God. I would do everything I can think of to force them to turn around and come back to God.

Then, one evening God spoke to me and took away my pain. He said, “My son, do you believe you love these children more than I do?” Of course not! I know God loves more than I can ever understand. He then gave me to understand that it isn’t my responsibility to bring anyone to Heaven except myself.

He told me that I was to shine with such brightness that others would notice and be attracted my light. Then, I was to trust that He would remove the scales from their eyes that others would see.

Only then should I even think about using words to tell others of God. He continued, “if you live the life fully, others will notice and follow you. You will lead because you are following My Son.”

Think of yourself as a light. The world is darkness and many souls wander afraid and alone. But, even more afraid to turn to God because they think the darkness is comforting. If you shine the light in their eyes, they will run from pain of the flash. But, if you shine with the Light and life of Jesus, they will see that light from their darkness. Their eyes will adjust and they will come closer and closer. They will be attracted to your light and come back to God.

So don’t worry about preaching, live a life that shines in the darkness for others to see.