Softened (1)

Tragedies usually soften even the hardest of hearts.

U.S. News and World Report reports that postwar Americans always cherished the expectation that their standard of living would improve with each generation. In polls at the onset of the Reagan era, two of every three respondents said they expected to be better off than their parents. Now, that figure is being reversed. Almost three fourths of the one thousand people who answered a Roper poll for Shearson Lehman Brothers say the American Dream is “harder to attain” than a generation ago. And sixty percent say achieving the dream requires more financial risk than it did for their parents.

The poll also finds that some of the values held most dear during the 1980s—like wealth, power and fame—are those that Americans are now most likely to deem “unimportant.” The most important elements of today's American Dream center on family and friends. But money remains something to dream about. For Americans with household incomes under $25,000, it would take $54,000 a year to fulfill the American dream. Those who make $100,000 plus, crave an average of $192,000. In other words, the American Dream usually lies nearly twice the distance away.

The number one “softener” that draws people to Christ is times of trial. How many people have you seen “hit rock bottom” financially or emotionally and turn to the Lord? Many times it takes a loss of all strengths, securities, and safety nets before someone will realize they cannot make it through life on their own.

During these times in our nation, many once hardened hearts are being softened and people are realizing that nothing is for certain. Stocks may plummet, countries may attack other countries, and their once comfortable life may be turned upside down. People are hurting and are looking for answers.

This should be the time we as Christians more loudly proclaim Christ’s message of hope! As we see in our verses today, God has given us the command to go and tell others of His Good News. It is our responsibility as Christians to get the word out about God’s plan of salvation and His offering of hope to a dying world.

People are coming to realize this world is quickly passing away. Things are not getting better, but are getting worse each day. But as Christians, we have the hope of a home in Heaven! Why not let someone else feel the joy and peace you have by accepting Christ?

Take time today to share God’s message of hope with someone else. Give them a tract and encourage them to read about God’s Good News. Granted, not everyone is open to the Gospel yet, but as we continue sharing the message of Christ, we will see more people come to know Him as their Saviour.

Source: Daily in the Word, January 28, 2009