I heard the other day about conversations with people that say they don't want to accept the Lord into their lives because either they say they aren't ready because they perceive they will have to give up habits in their lives they enjoy or because they have met people that they call "hypocrites," and they use that as an excuse to not accept the Lord into their life.

Let's tackle the first one - the excuse of not wanting to change.  First accept the Lord. True acceptance will enact true change.  It would be willing and not a sacrifice.  Here's a thought....maybe those folks people look at and think of as hypocrites are just people growing and making mistakes like we all do; trying their best to get there but being human and making mistakes along the way.

There are those that hold themselves in high regard and set themselves as the standard!  They are to be pitied for their ignorance but not a barrier to you and the Lord.  Education in God's word - the Holy Bible - (the actual Holy Bible, not some religion's add on or pamphlets - know the actual word of God for yourself) will not make us perfect but will hopefully lessen our "offenses" in other people’s eyes.

Now let's talk about that...hypocrites....we hear that all the time, right?  Don't want to be considered part of that hypocrite group?!  Well, I heard someone say the other day, “Use that argument when you stand in judgment before the Lord!!”  Seriously, would anyone think that rejection of the Lord based on that excuse would hold water? or rejection under any reason?  “Sorry, God, I rejected you because of those people over there!!”  Well, He will probably let you go reside with your peers that also rejected!

Will there be "warm comfort" knowing you lived a sinful life that pleased you and not God?  Oh my, now time for someone to say that sounds like a scare tactic!  The unsaved should be afraid.

My point in saying that is - don't let acts of another person drive a wedge between you and your Heavenly Father.  You wouldn't let a hypocrite keep you from your favorite restaurant or best friend or something else you treasure.  Certainly don't let it keep you from God's promise of grace and eternal life with Him in heaven.

No hypocrites in Heaven!

*by Carol Diane Roark*

Diane and her husband, Fred