DEVOTION / Count to 9

Count nine seconds. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Stunning stats

By the time you reached 9, a baby was born somewhere in the United States. One-half second after, an American citizen died.

According to a December 28, 2023 article in USA TODAY, that 9-second addition to and subtraction from the country's population will happen day after day in 2024. That multiplies out to over 3.5 million births in 2024 and over 3.3 million deaths.

That's only an interesting statistic, a trivia fact to share on Facebook.

But consider that, according to respected research groups (Pew Research is an example), only about 60% of Americans claim to be Christian. Some research groups who ask respondents if they believe Jesus is their Savior, peg the number of Christians at less than half that number.

Consider, also, that over the last fifty years the ranks of the "religiously unaffiliated" have swelled from 5% to 29%.

Now consider how many of those 3.3 million Americans who will die this year will be welcomed into heaven. And how few of those 3.5 million babies will grow up learning about God's grace in Jesus.

A reason to share

That transforms those numbers from trivia to trauma.

There is a lot we can do to change that. Change comes as we work together within our churches. As we work in partnership with our churches. But working alone is even more impactful. Praying for opportunities to speak to your "religiously unaffiliated" neighbor or cousin or workmate is a start. Then, when God gives you those opportunities, talk about how important Jesus is to you. And then praying more and sharing more.

The best reason to share

But, wait. Don't share the gospel with others because, without trusting the gospel, they will not enjoy heaven.

Share the gospel because God has given you heaven. Gifted you heaven. He has done for you what you don't deserve. What you could never earn. What doesn't belong to you.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God, Paul proclaims. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:21,20).

Share Jesus with others this year because God has shared his Son with you.

Share him. Every second you can. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.