They can count on you for a smiling face and a helping hand. You give them shelter, healthcare, land to wander, and food to eat. They need these things, and you provide out of your own means. Some of their deepest needs are met because of the hard work you put in, and a trusting relationship is forged over time. It gives you joy to serve them, and you are commended by others for the sacrifices you make. You have been so generous to them, and they may think of you as a compassionate and loyal friend. They begin to grow healthy and strong thanks to your tender care, but you know something they don’t know.
For quite some time, you have been preparing them to be slaughtered. You have fattened them up and carefully tended to their needs, knowing that they will one day be put to death. Before they ever sense anything is up, they are hauled off and killed.
You may have concluded I am loosely describing raising a cow to be slaughtered. If that is true, there is no reason to feel ashamed about such a story. But what if I told you the “they” in the story above is actually people? Your friends, family members, coworkers, and others all over the world?
You’re the smiling face and helping hand they can always depend on when they’re down. You provide for their needs and give them backpacks, shelter, food, and childcare. They begin to trust you because you are often the only one who cares. The amount of time and energy you give to loving on them is commendable, and they have you to thank for so much of the good in their lives. But you know something they don’t know.
For quite some time, you have been preparing them to be thrown into hell. You have fattened them up and carefully tended to their needs, knowing that they will one day be separated from God. Before they ever sense anything is up, the day comes.
You may have had pure motives, but how did you leave out something of such importance? You may have hoped they would one day ask you about it, but would you similarly sit around and expect a healthy cow to ask you about an imminent slaughter? You keep a cow calm by staying calm yourself and not suggesting any danger is ahead. You do this because you intend for them to be slaughtered! Is that your strategy with those created in God’s image? Is that what it looks like to love your neighbor as yourself? Is that what it looks like to be a good friend?
Love God. Love your neighbor. Be a good friend. Share the gospel! Do you believe it? If you do, it’s far too urgent and important to keep it to yourself.