Will You Have Peace in the End?

When the last couple of months of the year roll around, many families come together to enjoy one another’s company and catch up on the year’s activities. If your family is faithful to the Lord and all are living obediently to the truth of the gospel, joy comes easily, and peace is present because of the fellowship found in Jesus. However, many families do not enjoy that kind of peace. Jesus prophesied about the effect of His ministry, saying, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household” (Matt. 10:34-36).

The gospel message calls for a decision from everyone who hears it. God offers salvation to all and requires their submission and servitude to Him in response (Rom. 6). A few are willing to obey God and receive the salvation He offers, but most are unwilling. The reasons why most are unwilling are many, but none of them can save their soul on the day of judgment (Matt. 7:13-14; 16:26).

When your earthly family gathers together to enjoy one another’s company, it is worth your time to talk about spiritual matters. Discuss obedience to the gospel, worship, biblical authority, and the reward that awaits the faithful. If you have any influence on them, let it be used for the good of their soul. Love them. Make their relationship with God more important than always keeping a smile on their faces. Avoiding the needs of the soul may allow you to feign peace today, but when the end comes, will you have peace then?