Are You Prepared?

The conversion from analog to digital TV happens today. It's been a long time in coming. Years ago, I remember the ads that began warning people - in distant 2009, converter boxes would be needed for anyone relying on an antenna for TV reception. Repeatedly, announcements and warnings were run for the impending February 17th switch. So why am I writing this in June rather than February? Mercy. Well, kind of. Earlier this year, Congress tried to give a break to the estimated 6.5 million people who remained unprepared for the switch. It was a benevolent extension for those who were about to be shut out, left in the dark with a TV full of static.

CNN reported recently, "Republicans opposed the delay, saying the government had already given people years to prepare."

But guess what? Despite the warnings, despite the merciful extension, people are still unprepared! The news this morning said 2 to 3 million still remain unequipped for the switchover happening today. MILLION.

This reminded me of just how many people remain unequipped to face death, the ultimate deadline. It's not like we aren't warned well in advance. To quote Randy Alcorn, "the current death rate is 100%." Yet there are many people who will die having procrastinated the most important decision in life just a little too long. Are you prepared for the switchover when you inevitably pass away from this world? Or, like the 2 to 3 million people still watching analog today, are you unprepared? Shouldn't we give more thought to where we'll go when we die than we give to our source of NBC, ABC, and FOX?

There is a way to be sure of your eternal home. Jesus stated clearly:
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6

In this day and age you can easily find a friend or acquaintance willing to offer you their personal theory about God, heaven, hell, and eternity. Some say that if you live a good life and don't kill anyone you will go to heaven. Others just assume that heaven is the "default destination" for people who are "good enough." The confusion that surrounds the issue is enough to make someone just not make a decision one way or the other. But be assured, not making a decision about Jesus is a decision. There is ONE way to heaven and only ONE way. This isn't my opinion, but the very word of God about Jesus: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:12

Now, some might call this "one way" approach narrow minded, but think of it this way- Wouldn't it be absurd if you tried to hand your analog-TV-loving neighbor a converter box today as a gift, but he refused it, insisting he'd get reception his own way by wrapping his antenna with foil instead? It will be just as absurd on Judgment Day for someone to rely on a list of "good deeds" rather than on the Cross of Christ in order to get into Heaven. Our good deeds are "like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) to a holy God. Only one sacrifice is acceptable to him - the sacrifice made by our Savior, Jesus Christ the Son of God. Don't be one of the many caught unprepared for death. God has been merciful in extending to you a benevolent grace period, but it won't last forever.

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9