In today's world it can be very difficult to put trust in others. We have all been taught that if we don't look out for ourselves then no one else will. This idea leads many to the notion that they do not need anybody but themselves. They are isolating themselves not only from potential earthly friends, but from the greatest friend of all, Jesus Christ.
Why is a relationship with Jesus so important? Jesus holds the answers to all of life's most difficult questions. He is always there to listen in times of trouble, and through His Word He can help us with important decisions. Most importantly, a friendship with Christ leads to eternal life. Without His guidance in our lives we are doomed to an eternity in Hell.
This leads to the question: Who needs Christ in their life? Some would say that only those who are sick, poor, and miserable are in need of help from Christ. But the truth is that everyone needs Jesus in their lives. It does not matter about social standing, or circumstances in one's life, if a person is without Christ then they are lost.
The Bible is filled with examples of people who needed Christ as a friend. They come from all walks of life, and when they allowed Christ to be part of their lives they were changed forever.
Our first example of such a change is found in John 5:5-9. A disabled man had been lying by the pool of Bethesda for years. Every time the water stirred he tried in vain to get in to be healed. It wasn't until Jesus came along that this man became whole. Jesus healed the man who was not able to accomplish his healing on his own. Sometimes we need to remember this story and allow Christ to help us with the problems in our lives.
It is not only the lame that need Christ. The account of the rich man and Lazarus that Jesus told in Luke 16 proves this point. Even though it seemed that the Rich man had everything he needed in life the most important part was missing--God. This led to his eternal torment. On the other hand, Lazarus seemed to have nothing, but he had a relationship with God that led to an eternity in Heaven.
We can apply this example today by understanding that we must first have a relationship with Christ in order to know God as Lazarus did. Jesus said in John 14:6-7, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well." (NIV)
This shows that a friendship with Jesus is necessary in having a relationship with God. As shown in the story these relationships are essential to eternal life in Heaven.
So who needs Christ in their lives? The answer is simple, everyone does. It makes no difference who you are or what you do, a friendship with Jesus Christ can mean the difference between Heaven and Hell. |
