Elect Lady's Corner

Growing up, whenever my mother would send us to the store to buy groceries or pick up something important, there were times she would hand us more money than usual. Before we ever walked out the door, she would look us straight in the eyes and say with great seriousness: "Now, don't lose it!" She wasn't just making conversation. She was emphasizing the value of what had been entrusted to us. She knew how easily a child could become distracted looking at toys, talking with friends, daydreaming along the way, or carelessly stuffing the money into a pocket without paying attention.

She wanted us to understand that the responsibility was greater because the value was greater. And if you lost the money? There were consequences. Not because she was cruel but because you had it... and then you lost it. That childhood lesson has stayed with me for years because it reminds me of something far more valuable than money. God has entrusted us with something infinitely more precious the truth of His Gospel.

The greatest treasure ever placed into human hands was never silver or gold. It was the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We have been given the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, eternal life, and the hope of glory. We didn't earn this treasure. It was entrusted to us by God's amazing grace. Yet I wonder if Heaven is repeating to this generation the same words my Mother spoke years ago: "Don't lose it!" Not because God fears His truth will disappear, but because many who once embraced it have allowed it to slip from their hearts.

We are living in an age of unprecedented distractions. Never has there been so much information while so little transformation. We have become experts at scrolling but beginners at praying. We know the latest headlines but have forgotten Eternal truths. We have traded meditation on God's Word for endless entertainment. The enemy has discovered that he doesn't always have to persecute believers to weaken them. Sometimes all he has to do is distract them.

Jesus warned us about this very thing. In His parable of the sower, He explained that some seed fell among thorns, “and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful" (Mark 4:19). Notice what happened: The seed was received, the Word was planted and life began. But eventually, something else captured the heart. The Gospel wasn't rejected overnight but it was gradually crowded out. How tragic! They got it... but they lost it. 

The writer of Hebrews sounded the alarm when he declared: "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1). Truth doesn't usually disappear all at once, but it slips as prayer slips, passion slips, conviction slips, faithfulness slips, and first love slips. Then, church attendance becomes optional, Bible reading becomes occasional, prayer becomes hurried, holiness becomes negotiable, and convictions become compromised. Before long, people who once burned with holy fire barely carry a spiritual ember.

Paul admonished young Timothy, "That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us" (2 Timothy 1:14). Notice the responsibility. Keep it. Guard it. Protect it. Cherish it. Don't allow the culture to redefine it, compromise it, or replace it. The book of Jude echoed the same warning when he challenged believers to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Why? Because truth worth receiving is truth worth defending. 

I believe one of the greatest dangers facing many Christians today is not open persecution but quiet neglect. Satan has discovered that if he cannot steal our salvation, he will attempt to steal our focus. If he cannot destroy our Bible, he will simply keep us too busy to read it. If he cannot silence the Gospel, he will fill our lives with enough noise that we no longer hear God's voice. The world continually offers substitutes i.e. success without surrender, religion without repentance, prosperity without holiness, influence without intimacy with God.

But no earthly pleasure, career, possession, relationship, or accomplishment is worth exchanging for the eternal treasure God has placed within us. Jesus asked the question that still echoes across every generation in Mark 8:36: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" That question is more relevant today than ever. What good is gaining followers if we've stopped following Christ? What good is gaining wealth while losing worship? What good is gaining popularity while losing purity? What good is building earthly kingdoms while neglecting the Kingdom of God? 

The church doesn't need more distracted believers; it needs devoted disciples who treasure the Gospel to live holy just as Jesus commanded. Apostle Paul confidently declared near the end of his life, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). He didn't just receive the faith, he kept it which should be the testimony of every believer.

So, why not let today be the perfect time to ask yourself some searching questions such as: “Have I allowed the cares of this world to crowd out my love for Christ?” Am I protecting my relationship with God as carefully as I protect my finances, career, or reputation? Have I become spiritually distracted? Have I slowly drifted from my first love? If Jesus examined my heart today, would He find someone who is faithfully guarding the treasure He entrusted to me?” 

You must realize that the Gospel is too precious to neglect; your calling is too important to abandon; your witness is too valuable to compromise; and heaven has entrusted you with Eternal Truth. So, let us all hear the loving voice of our Heavenly Father reminding us today: "Don't lose it." Guard your faith, protect your testimony, stay in His Word, walk in His Spirit, and Finish your race. Because one day, you will stand before the Lord, and may you be able to declare with joy: "Lord, You entrusted me with the Gospel... and by Your grace, I didn't lose it."