Monopolizing the Cure.

I've had a dull headache for what seems like four weeks. It is probably closer to a couple days, but whatever... Just when I feel somewhat human, the pain creeps back into my neck then into my temple region. Aghhhh...... Acetaminophen and nasal decongestant are my go to for relief. Well, that and laying down till the ache subsides.

I have heard of many others dealing with the same symptoms and commiserate with all of you. When we don't feel well, we look for relief wherever we can find it. I wonder how folks in third world countries deal with physical illness. They don't have the luxury of a neighborhood pharmacy. It isn't likely they could have their own stock of pain medicines either. Perhaps there are some natural plants they could use. Maybe not.

Headaches are like lost souls. Both bring great pain and discomfort. Relief is sought for both in so many different things. Usually there is one medicine that is most effective for headaches and that is what we seek. Lost souls need Jesus. And here is where things get difficult for many believers. We have received the priceless gift of Christ and find it so difficult to share Him with other lost souls. Wonder why? We grip the cure for lost souls tightly in our hand. We have known what 'lost' pain feels like and one would think we would never want others to have to suffer so. Peace and hope were poured into our lives and in most cases we did little or nothing to deserve this grace. Somebody cared enough to pray for us and tell us about Jesus. Yet, there is a reluctance for us to share this Good News forward.

If the church in the northern hemisphere is ever going to experience revival, it will be when women and men once again become evangelical with their faith. Revival will explode when we who have experienced the cure are ready and willing to share the cure with others. Freely, we have received, freely, we should give.

"These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:5-8, NIV)

The worst possible outcome for the Church around the world would be if we clenched Jesus tightly in our hands and never felt compelled to give Him away. Trust me, if we give Jesus away, we will not lose our faith or our position in God's kingdom. Honest! In the same way, if we personally knew a doctor who held the cure for all headaches in his hand and wouldn't share it with those who suffer, we would not think much of that doctor. Likewise, the lost don't think much of us who don't share Jesus. Don't monopolize the Savior, but give Him away freely!