Many years ago, I learned one of the most significant lessons of my life. I had just finished an evening church service when an usher told me a young man was in my office waiting to see me. He was a heroin addict. His father was one of my best friends. I was not very versed on addiction at the time and began quoting him some Bible verses. I called for his mom and she didn’t know much more than I did. After seeing we were getting no where, I called his dad and he came to the office in minutes.

The dad was a pretty big guy and when he walked in my office the son rose to his feet. His dad hugged him and said, I love you son. Dad proceeded to say, let me ask you one thing. Are you willing to go into drug treatment tonight? The son said, I’m willing dad but not tonight. Maybe tomorrow. The dad said, I love you son, I’m going home to bed, call me when you are willing! The story has an amazing end. Today the son is an executive director of a recovery facility.

In Matthew 10, Jesus sent out seventy-two people to share His story. His direction to them was if you enter a town who welcomes you bless them and share the good news. But if you enter a town who isn’t willing, go into the streets and wipe the dust off your feet showing you have abandoned them to their fate. He said, whoever accepts you accepts me and whoever rejects you rejects me.

God doesn’t force anyone to follow him. He wants all his followers to follow him because they chose to love him. Because they have become willing. Christians, we would do well to know we are only messengers. We are not called to transform the world. I have learned my first question when someone comes to me for help is are you willing to do what it takes to heal your marriage, quit your habit, etc. If you aren’t willing there is nothing I can do for you.

I love you friends, I’m going home and kick back a while, call me when you are willing!

blessings,

Scott