Thursday, January 28, 2010

Yes, It's Disturbing

What has me upset? I'm so glad you asked. Are you familiar with the story of Morgan Harrington? She and several friends went to a Metallica concert. This concert was in October 2009. Morgan separated from her friends never to be seen from again. Until Tuesday, January 26, 2010. This is when her body was located on a farm.

Yes, that is disturbing. But that's not what has me so upset. What disturbs me more is her dad's statement. Dan Harrington, Morgan's father, issued a statement: "Morgan's mother, Gil, and I are overwhelmingly saddened by yesterday's discovery, but we are also relieved because our questions can now be answered and we can give our daughter a proper burial." "We know that because of the good life Morgan led and the love she created for everyone around her, she is now in a safer, better place."

Really? What place would that be? There is no mention of her faith. No mention of her being with Jesus. No mention that she knew Him. I'm not saying that she didn't come face-to-face with Jesus. But I find it extremely disturbing that too many people are under the misconception that: I live a "good life." I "love" others.  Surely I will be in a "safer place." How good is good enough? How much love do you extend to others to qualify you to be in a safer place?

The Bible clearly states:

There is none righteous, no not one. (Romans 3:10) That tells me that no matter how good I think I am, I am not good enough.

For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God, not of works lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  This tells me that I can not work my way, pay my way, love my way into God's graces. I must accept His gift. But what is the gift?

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Let me rephrase this one: For God so loved SusanD that He gave His only Son, Jesus so that SusanD should not perish but live forever with Him. Put your name where I inserted mine and reread that sentence.

The question that follows is: how do I accept the Gift? It is so easy. We try to make it hard, but it is easy peasy. If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) If you believe it, say it! Do it today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV) 2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

12 comments:

Jane In The Jungle said...

Great post Susan!

Farmgirl Cyn said...

I am ALWAYS thinking like that...wondering where someone is actually spending eternity. So very many think they have a relationship with Him based on a silly prayer they said at the altar years before, but there is more to it than that. There must 1st be repentance, the threshold issue, and there must be fruit. Jesus said we shall know a true believer by the fruit in their lives. A good tree CANNOT bare bad fruit, and a bad tree CANNOT bare good fruit. I fear many so called believers will find themselves before the throne of God someday and He will say to them "Depart. I NEVER knew you."
A very thought provoking post Susan.

Greg C said...

So many people just don't get it Susan. It's right there in black and white but some people believe as these parents did.

I do however think it is important to be a good person while on earth because well it just is.

I used to compare myself to others and say; Well at least I am a better person that that one but now I know the real answer.

I did a Thankful Thursday post today. Old habits you know. :)

Jenny wren's nest said...

Wow, I would hate to be around when these parents really get it, sometimes they are the best evangilist.
Jenny

achildoftheking said...

You're oh so right Susan. I hear so many people say, "I'm a good person". Being good isn't going to get anyone into Heaven. Praise You Jesus for who and what You are for us. Thank You for giving Yourself willing to be our Savior. In Your precious Holy name, amen.

Amy said...

Wonderful post.
Blessings,
Amy

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Amen, SusanD!

It's so amazing how the worldview of the general public has changed over the last 50-100 years. The Truth has been so watered down over the years in our culture that people just don't know what to believe anymore.

Until someone tells them the truth, like you just did. :-)

lagirl/Sweet Tea said...

Very true, Susan.
Lots of time people are told that by well meaning people to give them comfort. But, like we know, not everyone goes to Heaven; a sad but true fact. Since this young woman met with such a horrible death there is a good possibility that she called upon God at that time. Hopefully her parents will follow suit so they can see her again.

KrippledWarrior said...

SusanD, You are wise beyond your years. But please remember. Only God knows what is in a persons heart. Just because her dad doesn't get it. Maybe she did.
And Farmgirl Cyn is about to cross the line and judge others by what she can see. It is important to do all things with love. And no matter how much you believe, if the is not love. There is not Christ.

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Melli said...

Amen to that, my friend! AMEN!

Debbie Petras said...

Susan, you know this is something that gets me too. I hear it all the time when someone dies. They assume that since they were a good person and didn't commit those really big sins, they are in a better place.

I once read a book called "One Minute After You Die" by Erwin W. Lutzer. It's amazing and you won't be able to put it down. It starts out by describing a funeral and what is actually happening to the person who died.

I have to say though that I'm always careful to not assume anything about a person. As a cardiac nurse fo 25 years, I can tell you that I've witnessed to several dying patients who accepted Jesus on their deathbed. Praise God for His tender mercy and forgiveness.

I guess you touched on a topic that's near and dear to my heart as I've many unsaved loved ones.

Debbie