In Acts 26, Paul, under sentence of death, is giving his conversion account before King Agrippa. It is passionate and powerful, moving the King to utter these tragic words, “Almost Thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
Each of us faces a crossroads in our lives. We can decide whether to confess our sins and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, or not. In our faith journey, more decisions will be required. Will I obey His Word? Will I surrender MY will? Will I stand in truth? Will I compromise?
Joshua 24:15 challenges, “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” Discipleship demands answers and choices. We deceive ourselves to imagine WE are the arbiters of both.
We cannot be “almost” believers. We must be “altogether” believers. We cannot be “almost” obedient or “almost” human, even. We are called to stand, alone, if necessary, on God’s side. Scripture never questions, “Whose side is God on?” Scripture asks, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Exodus 32:35.
Not to decide is to decide. To delay is to decide. To distract is to decide. To ignore is to decide. Not answering is to decide. Making excuses is to decide.
Hebrews 2:3, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Today, especially, we must be fully persuaded, totally committed, and firmly planted on the Rock of our Salvation. If not, when storms rage, we will not be able to stand. If not, will Jesus call us His own?
We must stop playing, procrastinating, ignoring, excusing, and disobeying what God has clearly commanded. These are eternal matters. We must never have to answer our Lord, “I was Almost Persuaded.”
By: Vickie Richey
~ Christ Fellowship