The journey begun by Moses in Egypt, when the exodus took place—the departure of the children of Israel toward the land of Canaan—was coming to an end. They had spent forty years in the desert, where they had both beautiful and bitter experiences with the Lord. In a few days, God would take His servant to eternity, and the Israelites would have to organize themselves to take possession of the Promised Land. Thus, Moses bade them farewell and delivered to them the instructions that came from the Most High.

Like Moses, we will depart for our heavenly Home. Therefore, it is worth asking: as those who are saved, do we care to hear the Father’s instructions so we may pass them on to those who will remain here longer? Have we been working to make them faithful servants who truly know the Lord? After our departure from this world, will they continue with Christ, or will they stray and be lost forever? Does this trouble us, or not?

There are so many questions that, at times, we are not even interested in answering them. Why do we not minister the Word to those who need it? A person who does not care about the future of their loved ones does not realize how lost they are. Our struggle is constant and tormenting, for worldliness dominates the hearts of many of our loved ones, and if they do not turn to Jesus, sin will take them to the depths of the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8). What truly matters is having full assurance that we are children of God.

Not taking proper care of one’s family makes a Christian worse than unbelievers (1 Timothy 5:8). Those who do not strive to lead their loved ones to Christ and leave them helpless, without concern for what will happen to them spiritually, are rightly called irresponsible. They have brought lives into the world only to leave them in the hands of the king of evil, when they should have presented them to God as proof of their love for Him.

The world is full of things and situations created by the devil to pursue us and draw us away from the Way. As disciples of Christ and witnesses of God, we must protect our family and present them to the King of kings as proof that we have fulfilled our mission faithfully. Never give in to the works of the flesh or to problems; instead, obey Jesus’ command and be happy forever (John 14:27; 16:24).

There will be no excuse on Judgment Day. If we do not win our household for Christ, how can we appear before Him empty-handed? And what about the others—have we brought them to the Lord? God will hold Christians accountable for the blood of those who are lost (Ezekiel 3:18, 20). The saved cannot act based on what they consider convenient. They must seek divine help and never give up on their family members, for the Word of God says: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).

Before it is too late, appear before the judgment seat of Christ, make things right with the one you married, and reconcile with those you love—becoming a living example of someone who has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7–8). No excuses will be accepted on the Last Day. It is time to watch and pray!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares