"Go to Hell"

“Go to hell.”

People often hurl this phrase in the heat of battle.  Tired of debating or sparring, the person who issues this command is figuratively saying, “Get lost” or “Go away.”

How many people would still say this phrase if the literal meaning were the only acceptable one? In considering the literal ramifications of telling someone to go to tell, most of us, including me, would decline, and rightfully (meaning, morally) so. 

However, what if I told you that you are telling the people around you, “Go to hell,” every single day?

I’m guessing that you are probably indignant at that claim, and that’s good.  Indignant leads to intrigued, so here’s the deal:

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’ He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

Basically, that verse sums up our job as Christ followers (aka Christians).  We are here, in this time and in this place, to to bring glory to God with every facet of our lives and to share the good news with others.  That’s it.  The job description doesn’t seem too complicated, so what’s your current job performance rating?

Well, before you answer that question, let me ask you another one.  Are there people in your life – work, school, community, neighborhood, etc. – who aren’t saved?  If you don’t know, then it is probably safe to assume that the subject hasn’t popped up in your conversations.

I’m pretty sure I can hear your mind bubble from here: “I don’t talk about my faith because it’s awkward” or “I don’t talk about my faith because it isn’t socially acceptable since there are so many religions out there” or “I don’t want to offend anyone.”

Well, here is the reality.  If there are people in your life whom you know aren’t saved, or if there are people in your life and you have no idea where they are when it comes to Christ, and if you haven’t said a word about your faith or testimony, then you have basically told every single one of them, “Go to hell.”  You might as well add an “I hate you” as a bonus.

Let me connect the dots for you (as they were connected for me in church this morning). Whenever we do not do our jobs as Christ followers, which is, again, sharing God’s Word (“preaching the gospel) of redemption, salvation, and eternal life, we are basically telling those around us, “I don’t care what happens to you. Since I am unwilling or won’t take the time to share my faith or testimony with you, it’s fine with me if you go to hell.  Thus, I hate you because I am obviously not willing to do or say anything that will prevent you from the eternal fires of hell.”

I realize that it’s a pretty harsh statement.  I doubt that any one us who claim to be Christ followers would ever utter those words aloud, but sadly, our inaction screams them loud and clear.  It doesn’t matter if you are scared, it doesn’t matter if you claim to have no time, and it doesn’t matter if it makes you feel uncomfortable or awkward. It doesn’t matter because the truth is the truth, no matter how many excuses we (me included) can generate. The fact of the matter is that we need to get over ourselves and get going.  Time is short.  

^“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.^{[a] 17} This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Romans 1:16-17

This was my wake-up call at church today.  I do NOT want to be responsible for someone missing out on his/her chance at eternity with Christ because I wasn’t brave enough to open my mouth or take a step. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrew 12: 1-2

You don’t need to travel across an ocean or multiple continents to be a missionary (although, if God has called you to do it, go for it).  The mission field is in your back yard, in the cubicle next to you at work, at the lunch table at school, or behind you while you stand in line at the grocery store.  Keep your eyes open, live Micah 6:8, and be brave in Christ.

“The Lord has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.”