The Right Question

Two of the top ten books on the New York Times bestseller list seek to answer the question: “Is Heaven Real?” None of the books address the question: “How do I get there?” It seems we are pretty good at asking the wrong questions.

Asking the right question seems to be particularly important when it comes to eternal life, the things of eternal significance.

We ask folks if they would rather spend eternity in heaven or hell. That one seems rather obvious doesn’t it? Even with a question as simple as that, some folks have the wrong answer.

We ask if people have “accepted” Jesus. That doesn’t seem to be the right question. Have you “trusted” Jesus? That seems better. What about “following” Jesus? That doesn’t seem a path we are eager to take. Jesus was hated and suffered and died. We like to skim over the gospel parts that have language about taking up crosses. We like to forget that Jesus went into places of danger and need and persecution.

Yesterday while reviewing some of my favorite recent reads I came upon this question:

Do we believe the reward found in Jesus is worth the risk of following him? Platt, David (2010-04-17). Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream (p. 162). Random House, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

That seems, to me, to be a really good question. Maybe even the right question.

That’s a hard question because: The danger in our lives will always increase in proportion to the depth of our relationship with Christ. Platt, David (2010-04-17). Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream (p. 167). Random House, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

The more we follow Jesus, the more like Him we become, the more uncomfortable those around us will be and the more hated and dangerous our path will be. The way we love each other is the way folks will know we are His. There is no promise that will make us loved by them, in fact, just the opposite is true.

So with the risk of following Jesus so great, can the reward be worth it? It is. For in following him, is the only real and eternal safety. In His love, is the only worthwhile security. In His presence, is the only real satisfaction.

We can only know the truth of the risk/reward when we experience it. The only way to know the joy of following in what appears to be complete foolishness, is to take the first steps.

Begin to ask the right question. Begin to trust the right answer.

Blessings.