Tragedies happen every day, and many involve the loss of human life. Some are the result of criminal action by other humans. Some are caused by accidents. Some are from natural catastrophes. Others are health-related. Regardless of the cause, the effect is suffering, destruction, distress and often death.
Tragedies remind us that some events are beyond our ability to control. Terrorist attacks and mass shootings remind us that we are limited in our control of evil people. Tornadoes and hurricanes remind us that we can’t control the weather. Automobile accidents remind us that humans and machines are fallible. Diseases, infections and viruses remind us that our physical bodies are frail and mortal. The strongest human can be killed by the smallest virus or bacterium. The strongest buildings can be destroyed by earthquakes.
All of these sources of tragedy teach us that we cannot place our trust in the flesh and in the material world.
Given the inevitability and uncontrollability of tragedies, what are we to do? If we can’t always protect our physical bodies, what more can be saved? Jesus gives the answer in Matthew 10:28: “And do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him Who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Jesus also said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:26). What matters most in a time of tragedy is the condition of one’s soul. While some tragedies might allow one the opportunity to help others, such as criminal attacks, accidents and weather events, other events may allow no such ability. Some tragedies are deadly events, and in many of them death comes quickly and unexpectedly. There is no time for a “deathbed conversion.” The spirit leaves the body and one’s moral and spiritual options are over.
Like the Roman governor, Felix (Acts 24:25), many people assume that they can wait until tragedy strikes then make preparations for the soul. Felix told the apostle Paul that he would call for him “at a convenient time.” However, tragic events often eliminate such opportunities. Conversion and service to God is not a mere back-up plan for when and if tragedy strikes — it is choice and a way of life. Certain things must be done for salvation. Unbelievers will not be saved (Mark 16:16; John 8:24). Faith comes by hearing and believing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Repentance is a change of attitude and action with regard to sin (Acts 2:38). Confession is an acknowledgment of the deity and lordship of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10). Baptism emulates the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3-4). It results in the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) and a cleansed conscience (1 Peter 3:21). Faithful service must follow, even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10). Will you be ready when tragedy strikes? Contact us if we can help.
—Tim Haile