Jan. 20- UA 16

The Unexpected Adventure- UA 16- "Linking Together"   1 Corinthians 3:7-9

Today's reading in UA was an encouragement for me.  On page 113, Strobel wrote "Too often Christians feel that they have failed if they've never actually prayed to receive Christ.  . . .They forget that generally it takes many experiences and conversations over time before a person decides to become a Christian."  Having someone kneel and pray for salvation is just the final link in the process.  The author mentions several typical links in the "chain of salvation".  Influence of authentic Christians, witnessing the transformation of nonChristians, authors, kind acts of Christians, direct testimonies, faithful preaching were all links in Lee's salvation chain.

This side of heaven we won't know which link we have played in a brother's or sister's salvation chain or how many chains of which we are a part.  We need to strive to be the best link we can be for someone's salvation chain.

A quick remark about the flip side of the chain of salvation.  A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.  While God may use us as a link to bring a person closer to salvation, we can also be a break in the chain that others have started.  Since my coworkers, family and friends know that I am a Christian, my ability to strengthen or weaken a salvation chain is greatly enhanced.  An errant word or action might just detour someone's journey to salvation.  An increased presence for Christ comes with an increased responsibility to live my life according to Biblical precepts.