Commentary: Things of urgent importance

Ralph Fudge

I believe in 'first things first' as a principle to live by.”

There are many worrisome things in life. Some are rightfully troubling, while others are actually trivial. However, there are four points to consider of great and even urgent importance. I believe in “first things first” as a principle to live by. And there are things that are very much first in importance, because they impact the rest of time for each soul.

The first important point is the urgency of taking care of the destiny of your soul, for the soul never dies. Jesus asked, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). We have in our country many millionaires and even a good many billionaires. And I have to think about how much good in the world they could do if they cared enough. For example, a few hundred people are eaten by crocodiles each year while trying to draw water from rivers in Africa. One billionaire could build a well for just a few hundred dollars and relieve much suffering among humanity. Or small clinics could be provided in areas that have no medical resources. Sometimes people must walk many miles to even see a doctor. What a shame and indictment on the rich people who would never miss the small sums required to help these poor and destitute people!

I recognize the truth Jesus told us when He said we would always have the poor with us. But He also commanded that we love our neighbor, and that means meeting their needs as far as we can. And I never advocate government handouts in this country. They do more harm than good by encouraging laziness and consumption without production. But I do so decry the wasted chance to relieve human suffering that excessively rich people display.

The second point of urgency is believing in Jesus as God, God the Son. He told us in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” To proclaim that eternal truth is to appear to liberals as bigoted, narrow-minded, and “deplorable.” But the truth will always stand.

The third point is that we only have this life in which to take care of the destiny of our souls by trusting Jesus Christ as personal Savior. The Bible warns, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). After life on earth is over, all opportunity for heaven is forever gone.

The last point should be the most frightening of all for any lost soul. And that is that no one knows when he will die and thus lose his opportunity to be saved and qualify for heaven. Proverbs 27:1 warns, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

So, friend, if you have never trusted your soul to Christ, I urge you to do it while you still have the opportunity. Thousands will not have the opportunity one hour from now. Wise up and call upon the name of the Lord for salvation. He will gladly save you if you truly believe in Him and repent by inviting Him into your life.

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Ralph Fudge is the pastor of Big Ochlocknee Baptist Church in Coolidge, Ga., and has a Master’s degree in theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.