Too Late?
By Steve P Ho Sang
Recently I spoke to my Mom about church and God. I was encouraging her to go to church and to take my Dad as well. She realizes her need to seek God more fervently. So I mentioned the idea that it always seem that old people are the ones that feel the need to seek God. Perhaps it’s because they seem closer to dying. However, I immediately pointed out the fact that death does not discriminate according to age. Everyone, no matter what age should seek God because one never knows when He will call one’s life into account. That being said, one of my old friends that I used to work with and was pretty close to, lost his son in a car accident this past Tuesday. His 19 year-old son was late for school and apparently was speeding when he was involved in a car accident. He died instantly. This, of course, came as a blow to many, including myself. Talk about a tragedy.

My immediate thoughts ran to wonder whether he was saved or not. On hearing of his death, I was somewhat dumbfounded and had to take a few minutes to recollect myself. After saying a short prayer for my friend and his family, my next thoughts went out to my immediate family and friends. I felt this urgency to reach out to my nephews and nieces to guarantee their salvation. I already know the future of my brother, sister, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, parents-in-law, parents, and most importantly, my wife (and I thank God for that!)
On returning home from work, I immediately wrote an email to my brother telling him of my friend's son's death and expressing my concern for his children, especially his son who is close to my friend's son's age. The difference is that my brother and his family are in Singapore. I spoke to my sister, who lives in Orlando, the following day and did the same, making sure that she knew where her children are going. In the mean time, I spoke to my friend, whose son had been killed. It was not an easy thing for me and he was not at his best, judging from his emotions. Yet, I took the time to ask him if he went to church. He told me that his wife went occasionally but he didn't go that often. He then went on to tell me, specifically, that his son did not believe in God. His consolation was that although he didn't believe in God, he was a good boy, who did good things and everyone liked him. Oh no! I thought to myself.

Well here it is...being a good person does not get you into heaven. Let me repeat that. BEING A GOOD PERSON DOES NOT GET YOU INTO HEAVEN!!!

There is no consolation that I could share with my friend. However God pointed something out to me that I am pointing out to you. If you care about anyone at all, you need to make sure they know who Jesus is and what He will do for them. There is a huge urgency to share the gospel with everyone you care about, especially family and close friends. You have no idea when you will be taken from this earth as seen from my friend's young son, who seemed to have his whole life ahead of him. Make sure that you know where you will go if you die tomorrow. Make sure that you give the opportunity for your family and friends to know the same. If you cannot be sure of where you will go after you die, then you need to talk to me or one of your Christian friends.