Friends don't let friends go to Hell

We see a billboard like this on our way to church. It definitely grabs your attention, right? In fact, I almost wrecked trying to read it the first time I saw it-shocking! The source is the AdCouncil (also known for 'Friends don't let friends drive drunk', and 'A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste'.)

The point of this billboard is to speak up if you are in the car with someone driving recklessly ... or else you could end up in a serious accident leaving you paralyzed or dead.

I love the bluntness, the efficiency of words! It is cold-drink-in-a-dessert type of refreshing in our culture of political correctness and tolerance of all things save Christianity!

Speaking of which, I would like to propose that Christians consider the message of the Gospel in these terms. Serious car wrecks are tragic, but isn't eternal judgment and torment infinitely more important?

I am preaching at myself, here trust me. I am far too selfish--too worried about embarrassment or whether so-and-so will like me. Too busy. It is time to get beyond fear of rejection and warn people about the wrath to come. What did Jesus say when He first began his public ministry?

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)

Not exactly a PC message, but like the billboard message it is concise and effective.

What about the Apostle Paul? Did he worry about hurting feelings? He was often beaten, some times to the point of near death, all to bring the Gospel to people who didn't want to hear it.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. (2 Corinthians 4:8-12 ESV)

I love Tim Challies' article about the false perception of God's 'unconditional love' for all mankind. We do an injustice to our non-Christian friends when we allow them to stay comfortable with a life not lived in obedience to God.

Mankind's greatest need is not tolerance but Truth. Let's go tell them--in love--that God is not happy with sin and a judgment is coming.

So speak up and share Christ with someone who is driving recklessly down the highway of life.